────────────────────────────────────── FARDALE SPRINGVALE ────────────────────────────────────── Shannock Right end Porter ────────────────────────────────────── Jolliby Right tackle Kinter ────────────────────────────────────── Bradley Right guard Sheehan ────────────────────────────────────── Tubbs Center Rouke ────────────────────────────────────── Dare Left guard Mahoney ────────────────────────────────────── Gardner Left tackle Reed ────────────────────────────────────── Buckhart Left end Huckley ────────────────────────────────────── Smart Quarter-back Eyster ────────────────────────────────────── Merriwell Right Sampson half-back ────────────────────────────────────── Darrell Left Nelson half-back ────────────────────────────────────── Singleton Full-back Austin ────────────────────────────────────── A snow-storm had been threatening, but had turned to a rain-storm, the weather becoming milder. It was not a downpour—just a weak, unpleasant drizzle. But a drizzle could not keep the cadets from turning out to witness the game. They packed the seats reserved for them. There was not the usual large gathering of spectators from the village and surrounding country, although the attendance was not light. The visitors were the first to come trotting out on the field. They wore some sort of leathery-looking suits, and in the rain those suits glistened strangely. They did not resort to the practise of falling on the ball in warming up, but passed the ball from hand to hand and did a little kicking. The Fardale team came jogging out in their well-worn suits. They went at the preliminary practise in the usual manner. Brad Buckhart squinted at the New Era players, a peculiar expression on his face. “Whatever sort of suits have they got on?” he said, turning to Jolliby. “Ask me sus-sus-sus-something I cuc-cuc-can answer,” stuttered the tall boy. “This rain makes ’em shine like grease,” said Brad. “They’re a queer-looking bunch.” The cadets had given their team a cheer on its appearance. The band was not out. But the boys were prepared to sing and root in earnest. Dick Merriwell had looked the enemy over. One of the fellows attracted his attention. When he drew aside with the referee and the captain of the visiting team, he said: