“I regret to say that we have been defeated in the first—ah—scrimmage, I believe you football players call it,” said the doctor, a bit sadly. “We have lost the first point in the main legal battle.”
[CHAPTER XXX]
AN UNEXPECTED CLEW
Four lads sat in various ungraceful if easy attitudes in the room of our heroes one evening. Four—for Frank Simpson was now an accredited member in full and regular standing of the “Big Four,” as they were coming to be called.
Frank had moved his belongings into the apartment of the three chums, who were now four, for he found their comradeship congenial, and they liked him immensely.
It was a week after the announcement by Dr. Churchill of the setback the college had received in the opening of the legal battle.
Football practice had, naturally, gone on as usual, and there was a more hopeful look on the faces of the captain and coach. The team was playing more as a unit. Kicks were being handled better, the ball was being advanced with greater certainty in the games with the scrubs, and it looked as if Randall would come into her own again. They had played another minor game, and had rolled up a surprisingly big score.
“But the trouble of it is,” said Tom, as he got in a more comfortable position on the creaking sofa, “the trouble of it is that Boxer Hall is doing just as well. She’s cleaning up everything that comes her way.”
“But we have a look-in at the championship,” declared Sid.