"But there always is one side better than the other. The sun will
be in the eyes of the fellows who lose. That may count for
something. And the breeze may grow stronger as the game goes on.
There, Frank has won, for he's taking his men to the lower goal.
But that gives Clifford the kick-off. That looks bad."

"Oh, I don't know. It will only spur them on to working a little
harder. Wait and see. I've got a hunch that Frank Allen has a
surprise or two up his sleeve for these gay white birds from up
river. I'm not worrying. I've seen that boy on the baseball field,
and on the river in the boat races. He is all there with the
goods, and they're a full yard wide. You hear me!" and the
enthusiast jumped to his feet, to flap his elbows as though they
were wings, while he emitted a shrill crow that caused a laugh to
break out in the immediate vicinity.

"Now we're going to se some fun!" called a fellow who was waving
the colors of Clifford with great vim.

And under the eyes of thousands of eager spectators, the rival
elevens took the places assigned to them to await the signal for
play.




CHAPTER IX

A HARD FOUGHT FIRST HALF