his occurred in class during, say, a faltering elucidation of the
Iliad, it produced anything but a favourable impression on the
instructor. Fortunately, while actually engaged in out-guessing Lee, of
the second, or breaking through the none too vulnerable Pryme, or racing
down the field under one of Harris's punts, he had no time to think of
it and so was spared the mortification of suspended animation at what
would have been a most unfortunate time. His appetite became decidedly
capricious. And the capriciousness increased as Saturday drew near.
Also, the sinking sensations to which he had become a prey attacked him
more often. He drove Amy to despair by predicting all sorts of direful
things. He was sure that he wouldn't be able to do anything with
Terrill, the Claflin right end. He was morally certain that he was going
to disgrace himself and the school. He was even inclined to think,
rather hopefully, as it seemed to Amy, that he would be taken violently
ill before Saturday.

"You'll make _me_ ill!" declared Amy. "Honest, Clint, you talk like a
demented duck! Buck up! What's the matter with you? Anyone would think
you were going to be hung Saturday instead of play football!"

"I almost wish I were," murmured Clint dejectedly.

But if Clint was troubled with forebodings, not so the school at large.
Enthusiastic mass-meetings were held alternate evenings and the new
songs were rehearsed and the cheers which were to bring terror to the
enemy were thundered with a mighty zest. Brimfield refused to even
consider defeat. Parades became a frequent proceeding. By Wednesday it
was only necessary for a fellow to step out on The Row and shout
"Brimfield!" to have a procession form almost instantly!

The last practice took place Wednesday afternoon and for a solid
forty-five minutes the 'varsity did its level best to totally annihilate
the second team, and almost succeeded. Things went with a most
encouraging bang that day. Even Coach Robey was seen to smile, which,
during practice, was a most extraordinary thing for him to do. The
'varsity had to work for what it got, but got it. Three touchdowns and a
field-goal was the sum of its attainment, while the second, fighting
fiercely, managed to push Otis over for a score in the third period.
Afterward the second cheered the 'varsity, was heartily cheered in
return and then trotted back to the gymnasium no longer existent as
a team.

The most enthusiastic meeting of the Fall