"And to think that little Anne has never in her life seen a football game!" exclaimed Jessica. Anne blushed. "Yes," she replied reluctantly, "I'll have to admit this is my very first game, but I understand the rules. Grace has explained them to me. I hope our boys will win." "If the Dunsmore boys are in good trim, I'm afraid they'll give us a stiff pull," observed David, "but the stiffer the pull the more interesting it is to watch, so long as they don't lick us." Just then the wagon drew up at the grounds and the boys and girls jumped out and made their way through the crowd to their seats. Everybody in Oakdale turned out for the annual Thanksgiving football game. The professors and their wives, the teachers from the Girls' High School and all the pupils were there in full force, besides the citizens of Oakdale and their families. There was really a very large assemblage in the semicircular ampitheater which was hung with bunting and flags in honor of the great occasion, and probably not one in the whole cheerful company but had enjoyed a good Thanksgiving dinner that afternoon, so good humor beamed from every face. "Don't you think this is a thrilling sight, Anne?" demanded Grace, for there was not a soul in Oakdale who was not vain of the High School football team, which had won for itself honors all over the state. "Wonderful!" exclaimed Anne, clasping her hands and waiting impatiently for the performance to commence. Just then the band struck up again, and under cover of the music David whispered to Jessica: "Do you see that man over there to the right on the back seat, with long, dark hair and a slouch hat?" Jessica found the individual presently, starting slightly when she saw his face. "I do believe it's Anne's father," she whispered. "It just is," said David, "and he's looking hard at Anne, too. I wonder if he means to make another scene." "Poor Anne!" sighed Jessica. "She seems to have more than her fair share of troubles." The two teams then filed out for warming-up practice; the excitement of the ensuing game drove all thought of the sinister looking Mr. Pierson out of their heads, for the time being. The first half ended in a brilliant touchdown for the High School boys, though the kick for goal failed. Immediately the place rang with the cheers of the spectators. Crowds of boys rushed up and down giving the High School yell and when the noise died down somewhat the girls started the High School song: "Here's three cheers for dear old Oakdale, God bless her, everyone!" Anne was thrilled. Never had she enjoyed herself so much. She stood upon the seat beside Grace and waved a blue and white banner as frantically as anybody else. "I don't think I quite understand what it's all about," she confided to David, who sat next to her, "but I am very happy all the same."