didn't want to play football this
season."

The Rover boys soon learned that not only Gif but also Spouter, Ned
Lowe, Walt Baxter, and Slugger Brown were on the regular eleven. The
scrub team was made up largely from the freshmen class, although Dan
Soppinger and a few others of the older cadets who had never played on
the first team were also included.

"Now, I want all of you to do your very best," said Gif, at the close
of a long talk to the boys on what was required of them. "We'll have
nothing but squad work first, and then a game or two just to find out
how matters are shaping themselves."

As an aid Gif had Mr. Crews, the gymnasium instructor, who in his
younger days had been quite a football player. Between the pair matters
took shape rapidly, and by the end of the week the scrub was in shape
to play a game against the regulars.

As was to be expected, this opening contest was a decidedly ragged one,
even the regular team making many plays which caused hearty laughter.

"You fellows have all got to do better if we want to win any matches,"
declared Gif. "Now then, go at it as if you meant it and see that you
mind the rules." And after that the playing showed gradual improvement.

Colonel Colby had not forgotten his own football days, and one
afternoon he came down to the field to see what progress his pupils
were making.

"Be on the alert when the signals are given," he said. "The signals,"
he added, "count for a good deal."

With the master of the school present, the cadets put forth renewed
efforts and the playing became actually snappy. There were several
well-earned runs, and once Jack managed to kick a goal from the field
which brought forth considerable applause.

"Keep it up, Jack! You're doing fine!" were Gif's encouraging words.

"Thanks. I'll do the best I know how," was the rejoinder.

Fred was also working hard, and a little later he made a run which
netted the scrub team fifteen yards.

"Fine! Fine!" cried his cousin encouragingly.

"That was well played," announced Gif. "But I want every man on the
field to do better than he has been doing," he added, stiffening up,
for he knew that a captain can only get out of his men the best that is
in them by thus urging them on.

During several of the plays Jack had come into contact with Slugger
Brown, and the big fellow showed that he had no friendly feeling for
the Rover boy.

"You be careful," warned Jack, when Brown started once to ta