er, were packed with people. The private boxes
were all taken. A band was playing a lively air, and the tournament was
on. Down in the great cleared space young men from the various prominent
colleges of the country were struggling for victory in the athletic
feats on the programme. At times some well-known amateur contestant was
greeted by cheers as he appeared or accomplished a feat that was plainly
remarkable. The favorites were greeted by the yells of the colleges
which they represented, as they were seen preparing for some difficult
attempt.

It was a scene of the greatest excitement and enthusiasm. Pretty girls
were there in large numbers, their faces glowing with admiration for the
young men who were struggling like gladiators down in the modern arena.
The swell set of New York occupied the boxes. Fathers and mothers,
sisters and brothers, cousins and aunts of the contestants were on hand,
watching with eagerness for the appearance of those in which their
interest centered.

In some instances the parents of the young men engaged in the contests
were plainly from the country. Their manners, their dress, their
language indicated this. It was a wonderful occasion for them, and their
hearts almost ceased beating when the favorite for whom they were
watching showed himself and made his brave effort in some trial of
strength and skill. Happy were they if he acquitted himself nobly.

The blue of Old Yale dominated one great section of seats. And when a
Yale man won in some of the contests hundreds upon hundreds of
strong-lunged young men arose to their feet and sent the college slogan
pealing forth, while that great mass of blue fluttered and swayed as if
swept by a fitful tempest.

It was Yale against the field, and Old Eli was acquitting herself nobly.

One of the private boxes was occupied by the Hon. Andrew Flemming and
his family. His wife and his two daughters were there. In a corner of
the box sat two lads who were talking earnestly in guarded tones. They
were Tom Thornton and Andy Emery.

Thornton and Emery had been entertaining Fred Flemming's sisters, but
now, for the moment, they had drawn aside and were earnestly discussing
some point that seemed to interest them greatly.

"It must be that the matter is settled, and Yates has been substituted
for the one who is missing," said Thornton; "but it seems rather
astonishing that Flem should be so sure Merriwell would not appear."

"But he did seem sure,"