"I believe I'd really lose all interest in the game, if Dick and
Greg didn't play on the Army this year."
"I think I'd feel the same way about it," agreed Dan. "But never fear—-they will play."
Two days later Dan finished his bath and dressing, after football practice, to find that Dave had already left ahead of him. Dan followed to their quarters in Bancroft Hall, to find Dave pacing the floor, the picture of despair.
"Dan!" cried Darrin sharply. "This letter is from Dick. He doesn't play this year!"
"Don't tell me anything funny, like that, when I've got a cracked lip," remonstrated Midshipman Dalzell.
"Dick doesn't play, I tell you—-which means that Greg won't, either. A lot of boobs at the Military Academy have sent Dick to Coventry for something that he didn't do. Dan, I don't care a hang about playing this year—-we can't beat Prescott and Holmes, for they won't be there!"
CHAPTER IV
DAVE'S WORK GOES STALE
"Aye, you're not—-not joking?" demanded Dan Dalzell half piteously.
"Do you see any signs of mirth in my face?" demanded Dave Darrin indignantly.