"Oh, Ford doesn't need to worry, of course. He led the class in mathematics last year, didn't he?"
"Yes, and the year before, too. The idea of his being worried about the examination is all nonsense."
"I know it is," said Frank, "except that he's got his ambition up to keep at the lead; that's a natural ambition and decent, and I suppose he'll do a lot of grinding to get ready for the exam."
"I'd grind, too, if I thought there'd be any use in it."
"I believe there will, Page, and if you don't mind following my lead, I'll tell you what subject to grind on."
"Do you mean to say that you're going to cram up on just one part of it?"
"Exactly, and what's more, if you'll agree to it, I'll come over here with my books and we'll grind together. We'll get Browning, Rattleton and Diamond, and one or two others in our crowd, and do the job together."
"It's a bully idea!" exclaimed Page, "if it would only work. Gee! but wouldn't it be just great if we should happen to hit on the topic that old Babbitt has chosen and every one of us write a perfect paper?"
"I can't think of anything that would suit me better," Frank answered.
"Then let's try for it. It's just a chance, but I'm with you, Merriwell."