Part 28 (1/2)

CHAPTER XVI

SOMETHING ABOUT A CANE

But if Koswell and Larkspur were guilty, they kept very quiet about it, and the Rover boys were unable to prove anything against them. The bill for the cut-up tire came to d.i.c.k, and he paid it.

The college talk was now largely about football, and one day a notice was posted that all candidates for admission on the big eleven should register at the gymnasium.

”I think I'll put my name down,” said Tom.

”And I'll do the same,” returned d.i.c.k, ”but I doubt if well get much of a show, since they know nothing of our playing qualities here.”

There were about thirty candidates, including thirteen who had played on the big team before. But two of these candidates were behind in then studies, and had to be dropped, by order of the faculty.

”That leaves a full eleven anyway of old players,” said Sam. ”Not much hope for you,” he added to his brothers.

”They'll do considerable s.h.i.+fting; every college team does,” said d.i.c.k; and he was right. After a good deal of scrub work and a general sizing up of the different candidates, four of the old players were dropped, while another went to the subst.i.tutes' bench.

It was now a question between nine of the new candidates, and after another tryout d.i.c.k was put in as a guard, he having shown an exceptional fitness for filling that position. Tom got on the subst.i.tutes' bench, which was something, if not much. Then practice began in earnest, for the college was to play a game against Roxley, another college, on a Sat.u.r.day, ten days later.

”I hope you win, d.i.c.k,” said Sam, ”And it's a pity you didn't get on the gridiron, Tom,” he continued.

”Oh, I'll get on, sooner or later,” answered Tom with a grin.

”Football is no baby play, and somebody is bound to get hurt.”

”You're not wis.h.i.+ng that, are you?” asked Songbird.

”No, indeed! But I know how it goes. Haven't I been hurt myself, more than once?”

The football game was to take place at Brill, on the athletic field, and the college students were privileged to invite a certain number of their friends. The Rovers promptly invited Dora, Nellie and Grace, and it was arranged that Sam should see to it that the girls got there.

”Sam will have as good a time as anybody,” said Tom. ”He'll have the three girls all to himself.”

”Well, you can't have everything in this world,” replied the youngest Rover with a grin. ”I guess football honors will be enough for you this time.”

”If we win,” put in d.i.c.k. ”I understand Roxley has a splendid eleven this season. They won out at Stanwell yesterday, 24 to 10.”

”I hear they are heavier than we are,” said Tom. ”At least ten pounds to the man. That is going to count for something.”

At that moment William Philander Tubbs came up. He was attired, as usual, in the height of fas.h.i.+on, and sported a light gold-headed cane.

”For gracious sake, look at Tubby!” exclaimed Sam. ”Talk about a fas.h.i.+on plate!”

”h.e.l.lo, Billy boy!” called out Tom. ”Going to make a social call on your washerwoman?”

”No. He's going to town to buy a pint of peanuts,” said Sam.

”I thought he might be going to a funeral-dressed so soberly,” added d.i.c.k, and this caused a general laugh, for Tubbs was attired in a light gray suit, patent leathers with spats, and a cream-colored necktie, with gloves to match.