“And you think it would go very hard with our girls if they were defeated in their first game?”
“Yes, especially if their opponents played rough. But I understand that Miss Ainsworth is very strict.”
“Miss Ainsworth?”
“The official referee of the League.”
“Well, then don’t worry about it, Marj. We have one more practice, anyway, before the game.”
The night of the game arrived—the last scout meeting before the Christmas holidays. The troop had arranged to gather at the settlement at half past seven and go in a body to the appointed place, one of the Y. W. C. A. gymnasiums in the upper part of the city. Jack, using his privilege as official coach, decided to go with the girls; but Marjorie instructed all other outsiders to go straight to the hall. She did not want to risk any unnecessary confusion or excitement.
“I never saw a better looking troop!” she cried proudly, when they were all assembled. “Honestly you girls look wonderful!”
“We have to live up to our officers and coach,” returned Queenie, with more sincerity than her bantering tone betrayed.
“Six players, one sub, three rooters,” counted Jack, with satisfaction. “Of course the last are the most important. Don’t forget to make lots of noise!”
“We’ll make it sound like thirty instead of three!” boasted Clara.