"Wise captain," approved Darrin.
They had not been on the field many minutes when a whoop sounded near at hand that caused the boys to look with surprise.
"Here come the Souths!" called Dave. "They must have been let out early, too."
"Hello!" hailed Captain Teall. "You fellows are here early, but
I don't see your shovels."
"Shovels?" repeated Dick.
"Yes; to dig holes to get into after the game is over," Ted retorted.
"Teall," Prescott responded sternly, "if the South Grammars want any holes to hide in, they'll have to dig them themselves."
"Humph! We'll see which side feels most like digging a hole when the score is read!" retorted Ted. "Come along, Souths!"
Ted led the way down the field for practice. On the way he turned to shout something back. At that moment he tripped over a small wooden box and fell flat.
"Oh, Ted!" called Dick hurriedly.