The case for football presented in Chapters XX and XXII is believed to be a fair and candid statement of facts with regard to the game as they are known to those most familiar with it. American Rugby football is here, and here to stay, not because of its æsthetic virtues, but because it appeals irresistibly to the Anglo-Saxon heart. In twenty years, against ignorant criticism and bitter opposition, it has established itself in every section of the country. It has merits which can neither be argued away nor overborne by abuse; it has conspicuous faults. Eliminate “dirty football” and the playing of unfit or unfairly matched men, provide for the players proper supervision in their practice and strict officials in their matches,—and the dangers of the game, with all serious grounds of objection, will be removed. Particular thanks for helpful suggestions as to guard play are due Mr. Joseph T. Gilman, a veteran of the Dartmouth eleven, whose mastery of the technique of his position has been proved in many a hard contest and against many a clever antagonist. ALBERTUS T. DUDLEY. BOSTON, April, 1905. CONTENTS CHAPTER I PAGE RAW MATERIAL 1 CHAPTER II ACQUAINTANCES 12 CHAPTER III THE NEW MANDOLIN 25 CHAPTER IV WEIGHED AND MEASURED 33 CHAPTER V IN THE GYMNASIUM 42 CHAPTER VI INDUSTRIES OF THE TWINS 52 CHAPTER VII NO THOROUGHFARE 64 CHAPTER VIII POLITICS 75 CHAPTER IX THE CONCERT AT EASTHAM 84 CHAPTER X VICTIMS 105 CHAPTER XI BUYING TACKS 113 CHAPTER XII THE HALO FADES 124 CHAPTER XIII RED RETRIBUTION 136 CHAPTER XIV PATRON AND CLIENT 150 CHAPTER XV THE SILENT PARTNER 164