The grounds were in fair condition, and had been put in good order by a number of the boys the day before. They had been measured off under the supervision of Mr. Nicholson, so that the field was a perfect rectangle of three hundred and thirty feet in length by one hundred and sixty in width, the five-yard lines and bounds being marked with streaks of lime, so that there could be no mistaking them. Some of the boys had borrowed a roller from Mr. Percy, and by dint of much work had succeeded in leveling the field and pressing down the uneven spots. Although it was a fair place for playing, and, as the small field directly back of the Hall could not be utilized, this was of very good service. Unlike the Davenport grounds there was no stand, and the spectators moved from one end of the field to the other, keeping pace with the players. As the boys would rather stand than sit, it made no difference to them, and the majority of the others had vehicles in which they stood to view the play. "Oh, if we only had the athletic grounds!" remarked Archer, who was gotten up in the height of fashion and carried a cane on which was a yard or so of blue ribbon. "That's the place for a game." "It costs too much," replied Ike, "and we can't very well charge an admission." "They're fine grounds and no mistake," said another. "But here come the teams. Little Dick Percy is running ahead." In another moment the two elevens had vaulted the rails and burst into the grounds amid the cheers of their respective schoolmates. CHAPTER XXVII. A CLOSE CONTEST WITH THE HIGH SCHOOL. The visiting team had changed their clothing in the gymnasium, and in company with some of the Hall eleven had set off for the grounds. Cole and Kimball had been trying for goals for some time, and when the rest came on they ceased practice and joined the eleven. After a few minutes' preparatory work in kicking and passing, the two teams stopped while the captains tossed up for choice of the ball or position. Cole won and decided to keep the ball. The referee was a member of the Whipford Athletic Club and the umpire was from Davenport. As both were well acquainted with the rules of the game, there was no question of any disputed point remaining unsettled. Time for the play was called. "Oh, now, fellows," pleaded Ike Smith, "do your level best and beat 'em." "You bet they will," said Archer, emphatically. "Look at George Shriver getting ready to spring at the ball. George means business and no mistake." "And look at little Dick Percy dancing around with his hands ready for service," added Ike. "Isn't he a little wonder now?"