her,
who had been persuaded to witness the game. They found her in Kathleen's
care and under instruction from young Farwell as to the fundamental
principles of the game. Near them a group of men were standing,
among whom were Switzer, Waring-Gaunt, and Jack Romayne, listening to
Farwell's dissertation.

"You see, Mrs. Gwynne," he said, "no one may handle the ball--head,
feet, body, may be used, but not the hands."

"But I understand they sometimes hurt each other, Mr. Farwell."

"Oh, accidents will happen even on the farm, Mrs. Gwynne. For instance,
Coleman this morning had a horse step on his foot, necessitating Larry's
going on."

"Is Lawrence going to play?" said Mrs. Gwynne. "Ah, here he is.
Lawrence, are you in good condition? You have not been playing."

"I am not really very fit, Mother, not very hard, but I have been
running a good deal. I don't expect I shall be much use. Sam is quite
dubious about it."

"He will be all right, Mrs. Gwynne," said Farwell confidently. "He is
the fastest runner in the team. If he were only twenty pounds heavier
and if he were a bit more keen about the game he would be a star."

"Why don't they play Sykes?" inquired Kathleen. "I heard some of
the boys say this morning that Sykes was going to play. He is quite
wonderful, I believe."

"He is," replied Larry, "quite wonderful, but unfortunately he is not
eligible. But let me introduce Mr. Duckworth, Captain of our enemy."

Mrs. Gwynne received the young man with a bright smile. "I am sorry I
cannot wish you victory, and all the more now that my own son is to be
engaged. But I don't understand, Larry," she continued, "why Mr. Sykes
cannot play."

"Why, because there's a League regulation, Mother, that makes a
month's residence in the district necessary to a place on the team.
Unfortunately Sykes has been here only two weeks, and so we are
unwilling to put one over on our gallant foe. Got to play the game, eh,
Duckworth?"

Duckworth's face grew fiery red. "Yes, certainly," he said. "Rather an
awkward rule but--"

"You see, Mother, we want to eliminate every sign of professionalism,"
said Larry, "and emphasise the principle of local material for clubs."

"Ah, I see, and a very good idea, I should say," said his mother. "The
Eagle Hill team, for instance, will be made up of Eagle Hill men only.
That is really much better for the game because you get behind your team
all the local pride and enthusiasm."

"A foolish rule,