ant time for rest before the game. The players and
subs, for the Navy team, however, were early at dressing quarters.
Jetson hadn't been called as one of the subs., so he walked sulkily
and alone through the grounds while most of the midshipmen strolled,
about in groups.

Half an hour before the time for the game the spectators' seats held
fair-sized crowds. At that time the Naval Academy Band began to play,
just to keep the waiting ones more patient.

Ten minutes later the Hanniston players came on to the field at a slow
trot. Instantly the Hanniston howlers in the audience began to whoop up
the noise. The midshipmen joined in cheers, and then the band took up the
music again.

At first sight of the visitors, some of the Navy people began to have
their doubts about victory. The Hannistons surely were "bulky." In size
and age, the visitors were as formidable as any of the college elevens.

Many of the midshipmen, too, recalled what they had heard Waite say
at table. It seemed little wonder that the popular odds were against
the middies.

But the band, having played its welcome to the Hannistons, who were now
chasing a ball over the field in practice, almost immediately switched
off into the strains of "See, the Conquering Hero Comes!"

All doubts were dispelled for the moment at least, as all the Navy people
present let loose a tremendous cheer in which the midshipmen spectators
led, for now Captain Hepson was leading his own men on to the field, the
hope of the Navy that day.

"Hepson! Hepson!" went up rousingly from the brigade.

"Darrin! Darrin!" howled others.

"Dalzell!"

"Darrin! Darrin!"

"Hepson must enjoy hearing more noise for Darrin than for himself,"
reflected Jetson moodily.

But Hepson, big in body, heart and mind, was intent only on victory. It
did not even occur to the captain of the Navy eleven that Darrin was
getting more of a reception than himself. Hepson was simply and heartily
glad to find himself supported by two such promising gridiron men as
Darrin and Dalzell.

"Remember, Darry, how much we're backing on you to-day," muttered Hepson,
after another round of yells for Dave had been given.

"I can't do everything, and perhaps not much," smiled Dave. "But I'll do
my level best to do all that you call upon me for at my own little spot
in the line."

A din of Hanniston yells was now smiting the air. Uncle Sam's midshipmen
waited with patience and courtesy, but when their turn came