"Why, I
wouldn't be seen with a copy of it in my possession! It would be
circumstantial evidence, or corroborative evidence or something horrid,
and I'd get pinched for sure. You keep away from the _Times_, dearie."

There was a good deal of interested speculation as to the identity of
the four youths who had participated in the rescue of Farmer Corrigan's
dwelling, but the general opinion was to the effect that the local paper
had erred. One fellow made the suggestion in Don's hearing that if
faculty would look it up and see who had leave of absence Saturday night
they might spot the chaps. Don sincerely hoped the idea wouldn't occur
to Mr. Fernald!

But interest in the matter soon waned, for Brimfield was to play Benton
Military Academy that afternoon and what sort of a showing she would
make against that very worthy opponent was a far more absorbing subject
for speculation. Benton had been defeated handily enough last year, but
reports from the military academy this Fall led Brimfield to expect a
hard contest. And her expectations were fulfilled.

Benton brought at least a hundred neatly uniformed rooters along and the
field took on a very gallant appearance. The visitors seemed gaily
confident of victory and from the time they marched into the field and
took their places in the stand until the kick-off there was no cessation
of the songs and cheers from the blue-clad cohorts. Coach Robey started
his best men in that game and, as was quickly proved, needed to. The
first period was a bitterly contested punting duel in which Rollins,
and, later, St. Clair came off second best. But the difference in the
kicking of the rival teams was not sufficient to allow of much
advantage, and the first ten-minute set-to ended without a score. In
fact, neither team had been at any time within scoring distance of the
other's goal line. When play began again Benton changed her tactics and
started a rushing game that for a few minutes made headway. But a fumble
cost her the ball and a possible score on the Maroon-and-Grey's
twenty-yard line and the latter adopted the enemy's plan and banged at
the soldiers' line for fair gains. A forward pass brought the spectators
to their feet and gained twenty-two yards for Brimfield, Steve Edwards
being on the receiving end of a very pretty play. But Benton stiffened
presently and Brimfield was forced to kick.

That kick spelled disaster for Brimfield. Rollins dropped back to near
his own thirt