Saturday proved to be a fine day. The boys were in a glow of enthusiasm. When they thought of the coming struggle in Hoboken they tingled all over.
The game was to be called at 3 o’clock. At 2.30 Frank and his team reached the grounds and found a river of people crowding in at the gate. Evidently the game would be witnessed by an immense crowd.
They hurried to the dressing rooms and quickly got into their suits.
When they came out onto the field they found the Outcasts practicing.
The appearance of Merriwell’s team produced a stir and caused many of the spectators to applaud loudly.
Melvin McGann hastened to shake hands with Frank. He was beaming in a most satisfied manner.
“Look at this mob!” he exclaimed. “I’m afraid we’ll have hard work keeping them off the field. We’ve stretched ropes, but ropes won’t hold a crowd back if it gets too large. Here is Captain Hurley. Mr. Hurley—Mr. Merriwell.”
Hugh Hurley shook hands with Frank.
“Glad to meet you Mr. Merriwell,” he said. “You may have the field for practice.”
Frank sent his players out at once.