paces with a cleverness that caused their trainer to nod his head
in satisfaction.

"That's enough, boys," he said, warmly. "You've got your work cut
out for you to-day, and it would be poor policy to tire you at
this early hour. Back to the house now, and eat a breakfast such
as I laid out for you; nothing more, mind. Everyone of you must
consider himself at the training table now, until that game with
Bellport is over with on Thanksgiving morning. That's all!"

When, about ten o'clock, Frank reached the athletic grounds, clad
in his soiled suit and with his entire bunch of players along, he
found that a tremendous crowd had swarmed over the big field,
fully equal to any that had witnessed the hard-fought baseball
battles during the preceding Spring and early Summer.

It was an enthusiastic crowd, too, shouting until the sound was
not unlike the roar of a tempest. Thousands of miniature flags
were waving, representing both schools. There were also many from
Bellport present, some to enjoy the game, others to get points
with regard to the playing of the Columbia eleven, against which
their own team expected soon to be pitted.

"Ain't this the greatest sight ever?" asked Lanky, as they came
upon the field, and the waving flags and handkerchiefs made the
grandstand look like a vast flower garden in a strong wind.

"Columbia! _Veni! vidi! vici!_ to-day we swallow the
rooster!" came a concerted shout, as Herman Hooker got his cheer
band in working order.