Preliminary work of training started the next day, and though some of the boys thought it useless, they went through the exercises. But the two coaches were too wise to keep the cadets at mere gymnasium work too long, and so some field work with the ball, and some running exercises, were arranged.
Several candidates could not stand the pace and the grind and dropped out, but their places were eagerly taken by others. The scrub members were enthusiastic, and each one hoped to make the Varsity.
"Now we'll try a little practice game, between the first and second teams," proposed Mr. Martin, about a week after the arrival of himself and his colleague. "It will be in the nature of a try-out, for probably those who do the best work will be put in the first squad, and from that the men for the Varsity will be picked. That does not mean, however, that those who fail to make good this time will be barred. We will keep on the lookout for good material all the while."
"And I want you boys to feel that you are always being watched," added Mr. Spencer. "We'll have our eyes on you when you least expect it."
"That's what we want," declared Dick with a laugh. "We want the best team possible."
"Yes—Hamilton's team," sneered Porter to Weston.
"He'll be sure to make it, anyhow," added the latter.
"If he does, and I don't, I'll kick up a row," threatened the rich lad.
"So will I. Come on let's go to town and have a pool game. I'm pretty dry, too.
"Better not get caught with any of that bottled stuff," cautioned Porter.