Both teams were too strong on the defensive to allow their opponents to run up high scores; nevertheless, slowly, but surely, Sunflower steadily gained. Not only did Annie prove a better center than Marjorie, but Marjorie proved a better forward than Annie. It was almost a foregone conclusion that whenever she secured the ball she would make a goal. At last the time was up; the whistle blew, and the game was over. Troop Two Hundred had conquered their opponents by a score of 16–7; the League championship was theirs.
Hardly waiting to congratulate her girls, Marjorie dashed off to find John and Lily.
“It was marvellous!” cried her chum delightedly. “You make a wonderful forward——”
“Lil, where’s John?” interrupted Marjorie, in perplexity.
“He had to go, dear,” replied Lily. “But Dick will take us home.”
“Thanks, but I guess Jack’s willing——”
“Jack had to hurry off, too; he just waved to me from the door.”
“Jack!” repeated Marjorie. “Why in the world? And Mr. Richards?”
“I told you before that he had to go.”
Marjorie seized Lily’s shoulder.