By this time the gallery was half filled with an audience largely composed
of High School boys and girls. A few outsiders were present. Mrs. Harlowe
had come to see her daughter's team win the game, she said; for she knew
that Grace's heart was set on victory.

The referee, time-keeper and scorer chosen from the senior class took
their places. The whistle blew and the teams lined up. There was a round
of loud applause from the fans of both teams. The players presented a fine
appearance. The earnest, "do or die" expression on every face made the
spectators feel that the coming game would be well worth seeing.

The rival captains faced each other, ready to jump for the ball the
instant it left the referee's hands. There was a moment of expectant
silence; then the referee put the ball in play, the whistle blew and the
game began. Both captains sprang for the ball, but alas for the
sophomores, Julia Crosby caught it and threw it to the junior right
forward. It looked for a minute as though the juniors would score without
effort, but Nora O'Malley, who was left guard, succeeded so effectually in
annoying her opponent that when the bewildered goal-thrower did succeed in
throwing the ball, it fell wide of the basket. It had barely touched the
floor before there was a rush for it, and the fun waxed fast and furious.

During, the first five minutes neither side scored; then the tide turned
in favor of the juniors and they netted the ball.

Grace Harlowe set her teeth, resolving to play harder than ever. The
juniors should not score again if she could help it. Nora had the ball and
was dribbling it for dear life. Grace signaled her team, who responded
instantly; but, to their consternation, the juniors seemed to understand
the signal as fully as did their own team, and quickly blocking their