At ten minutes past the time no boy from the North Grammar had appeared.
"You won't have to wait much longer," smiled Len. "It looks as though the North Grammar boys were bluffing."
At ten minutes of five Dick and his chums rose to leave the "Blade" office.
"Wait a minute," urged Len at the door. "I believe I see your rivals coming now."
Hi Martin, Bill Rodgers and Courtney Page strolled rather indolently up to the door and entered.
"You're late," said Len crisply. "If you boys go into a race,
I believe you'll be just as late at the finish."
"There wasn't any use in hurrying," grunted Eel. "There's lots of the day left."
"Unless you regard an appointment as a gentlemen's agreement, and to be kept," marked Len Spencer, rather severely. "I have been giving up my time to this affair of yours, and my time is worth something. But take seats. Have you boys any paper to show that you represent your school?"
"Yes," admitted Hi, producing an envelope. "Our principal gives us the proper authority."
Len read the note, nodding. "The Central Grammar boys have also produced their authority to act, so now we can get down to the details of the contest. The North Grammar boys are the challengers, are they not?"