ave a bitter disappointment ahead of you tomorrow then," retorted
Marjorie. "You'll probably see me relegated to the scrub, sub or dub
class."

"I prophesy all three of you modest violets will make the team. The real
exhibition will be on Thursday afternoon. The strenuous Sans and the
dictatorial director; or, what's the use without Miss Reid? They will
learn a few points of the game before he gets through with them. I
wouldn't miss that try-out for a good deal." Jerry was deriving an
impish satisfaction from the prospect of the Sans' encounter to come
with Professor Leonard.

The next afternoon brought a large and interested audience to the
gymnasium. Robin Page had many well wishers in all three of the upper
classes. Leila and Vera also headed a goodly company who were anxious to
see Marjorie and Muriel make the team. The Sans came in a body to cheer
Lola Elster and Alida Burton on to victory. They had attended the
freshman try-out and seen a team selected which contained not one of
their allies. They had also learned that Professor Leonard was not to be
deceived for an instant. Only the fairest kind of fair play would be
acceptable to him. Leslie Cairns was confident that Lola Elster would
make the sophomore team. Of the skill of her junior chums as players she
was openly doubtful. She rudely hooted at their avowed intention to
enter the lists.

"You girls are punk players, one and all. Why make simpletons of
yourselves tomorrow?" she inquired of Joan and Natalie. "You need at
least a month's drill to put you in trim. Proffy Smarty Alec will chase
you off the floor."

"You're so hateful, Les," bitterly complained Joan. "We stand as good a
chance as can be at the junior try-out. I happen to know that we Sans
are almost the only juniors who are going to try for the team. Some of
us will be picked. He's a fine coach. He will soon put our team in good
form."

"Go to it and be happy," Leslie laughed. "You will so enjoy being ragged
every three minutes by that conceited tyrant. I am not going to throw
cold water on your fond hopes, but don't cry if he can't see you as a
junior team."

CHAPTER XVII.

"GENERAL" CAIRNS TO THE RESCUE.

The series of try-outs, plus the directorship of Professor Leonard,
caused basket ball interest to soar to exceptional heights. The
sophomore try-outs brought even a larger number of students to the scene
than did the freshman test. About thirty-five sophs essayed to make the