"Well, I have played some on the scrub."

"Oh, I know, but that isn't like going in for the regular thing. You
could be on the regular team if you really wanted to."

This matter was talked over several times, but Sam refused to be
entirely persuaded. He, however, finally agreed to go on the bench as
a substitute, provided Bob would not ask him to play any inside
position. By a toss-up, it had been decided that the game should take
place on the Roxley grounds. As a consequence, the boys of Brill and
their friends would have to go to the other college either by train
from Ashton, or in automobiles or some other kinds of conveyances.

"Of course, we'll take the girls, Tom," said Sam, in talking the
matter over. "We can go over to Hope in the auto for them, and I think
it would be nice if we took Songbird along and stopped at the
Sanderson cottage for Minnie."

"All right, that suits me," replied Tom, "Let us ask Songbird about
it."

Of course the would-be poet was delighted, and he at once sent a note
to Minnie, asking her to be ready when the auto arrived. The girls at
Hope were communicated with over the telephone.

"I'm afraid it's going to rain," said Spud, on the evening before the
great game was to take place. And Spud was right. By nine o'clock it
was raining steadily.

"Just our confounded luck!" muttered Songbird, as he paced up and down