“You girls have got to do your very best—don’t forget that!” Laura told them, as they separated the night before the meet. “Central High just about leans her whole weight on you.”
It was on Friday and the whole school was excused at noon; but those taking part in the events of the day were not obliged to report until one o’clock—and then only to the committee at the gymnasium building.
The crowds from Lumberport and from Keyport came in chartered steamers. They marched into the field just before one o’clock, and the classes from the East and West Highs followed them a few minutes later. The girls in their light dresses, and with the flags fluttering, were a pretty sight.
Of course, the grandstand was rapidly filling with adult spectators, and with the boys, when the girls of Central High came in. There was some marching and counter-marching, before all were seated. Already some of the girls, in their gymnasium clothes, began to appear on the courts for warming-up practice.
Suddenly Bobby Hargrew burst into a knot of Central High girls gathered around Mrs. Case, on the main floor of the gym. building, and fairly shouted:
“Where is she?”
“Where’s who?” asked Laura, curiously. “Is this one of your jokes? Who are you looking for?”
“Where’s Eve? Who’s seen Eve Sitz?” repeated Bobby, anxiously.
“Why, I think you’ll find her around somewhere. What’s the matter? Got to see her right this moment, Bobby?”
Bobby’s tone of tragic despair stopped the joking at last, however, as she cried: