Ott, Marline's substitute, was not satisfactory. Those who understood the situation best said that an injury to Marline early in the game would ruin Yale's prospects.
The anxiety increased as the day of the game approached. Some claimed the eleven had not been properly trained, others asserted they had been overtrained.
From Frank Merriwell's manner one could not have suspected he had ever taken the slightest interest in football. He did not seem to know anything of the general gossip.
It was the night before the game. Merry had been studying. He was alone in his room. At last, feeling exhausted, he flung open the window and looked out.
It was a perfect night, cold, clear and light. The sky was filled with stars. From across the campus came the sound of a rollicking song.
Directly beneath Frank's window was a group of students who were excitedly discussing something. Their words attracted Merriwell's attention.
"It's settled," said the voice of Paul Pierson. "Yale will not be in the game for a minute. What can a team do without a first-class full-back?"
"Isn't there a chance that Marline's ankle will be all right in time for the game?" asked another of the group.
"Not a chance," positively asserted Pierson. "The doctor says he'll not step on it for three days, at least. It is a bad sprain."
"Such beastly luck!" growled Randy Robinson. "Now if Merriwell——"