r you, Jack," remarked Fred that night, in
talking the matter over in their rooms.

"Maybe he'll lay for you, Fred," smiled his big cousin. "You had better
keep your eyes peeled."

"I guess we had better all watch out," was Randy's comment.

But for the next few days Nappy Martell, as well as his particular
crony, Slugger Brown, kept to themselves, while Codfish was so timid
that he hardly dared to show himself.

About a week, including Sunday, went by, and the school began to settle
down to its regular routine of studies. The Rover boys had had all
their classes mapped out for them, and had also been assigned to a
class in gymnasium work. Gymnastics especially suited the agile Andy,
who nearly always preferred action to sitting still. The Rover boys on
leaving home had promised their parents that they would pay strict
attention to their studies, and now they did their best in that
direction. Of course, some of the lessons were rather hard, and Fred,
being the youngest, often found he needed assistance from the others.

During those days they quickly discovered why Dan Soppinger had been
referred to by one of their friends as the "human question mark." Dan
always wanted to know something, and he did not hesitate to ask for
information on any and all occasions, no matter what else might happen
to be under discussion at the time.

"He'll die asking questions," remarked Andy. "I never knew a fellow who
could fire questions at a person so rapidly."

It was now ideal weather for football, and as soon as the school became
settled football talk filled the air. Gif Garrison had been at the head
of the football eleven the Fall previous, and now he was looked upon to
whip the new team into shape.

"We generally play three games with outside schools," explained Gif to
the Rovers one day. "First we play Hixley High. Then we play the
Clearwater Country Club. And after that we wind up usually with our big
game with Columbus Academy."

"It must be great sport," answered Jack.

"Did you ever get a chance to play football in New York?"

"Oh, yes, we occasionally played a game."

"Jack would make a first-rate football player if he had the chance,"
put in Randy. "I've seen him play, and I know."

"Yes. And Fred makes a pretty good player, too," added Andy. "Of
course, he's small and light in weight, but he's as quick on his feet
as they make 'em."

"How about you and Randy?" questioned Gif.

"Oh, we never cared very muc