They had to look very mysterious when Conrad, the agent at the station, having read the message, and counted the words, informed them it would cost three dollars and a quarter; and then seemed to expect them to tell him what was in the wind. For Frank had cautioned his rather talkative chum not to breathe a word about it to a living soul until they had heard from the gentleman. “Now we’ve got the rest of the day before us,” said Frank, as they left the station, arm in arm; “what are we going to do with it?” “It’s about ten, now,” Lanky remarked, “and I reckon there’ll be quite a squad of our fellows down at the athletic field, tryin’ every stunt going; because, you see, lots of ’em believe they can qualify for the broad jump, the shot-put, the hammer-throw, or even in the sprints. And you’ll see some of the queerest athletic work ever if you come down there right now.” “I’ll go you, then, Lanky,” agreed Frank. “Besides, I heard someone say there was going to be a big bunch from Bellport coming over to watch, and see what our boys could do. You heard what happened in both Clifford and Bellport, didn’t you, last night?” “You mean when they got news about the fire at our school, and that Columbia was going to get to-day off for a holiday, the trustees of both the other high schools called meetings, and agreed to close up shop for to-day, too. Mighty decent of them, I say, Frank.” “Well, what else could they do?” the other went on to say. “The boys who expect to enter the competition could claim that Columbia would have a big advantage in an extra day for practice. Even now there’s been some lively grumbling among some of the Bellport crowd, to the effect that we’re favored in the way things are run.” “Well, it isn’t so,” declared Lanky, indignantly. “There never was a fairer arrangement when the three schools came to meet up with each other. I kinder had an idea some of those Bellport fellows were in for making trouble; and it wouldn’t surprise me a little bit, Frank, if they started their racket to-day.” “Oh, I hope not,” remarked Frank; “that would be too bad to have Bellport on the outs with us. Their athletic captain, Cuthbert Lee, is a square fellow, if ever one could be. But let’s put on a little speed, and make for the field.” About a mile from the border of Columbia lay the athletic field, that had been given over to the boys of the town by some gentleman whose heart remained young, even though his hair had taken on a silvery tint. Here a grand-stand had been built, and there were several houses where those who competed in the events could dress. There was even a shower-bath, and numerous other appliances looking to the comfort of Columbia boys; with a keeper to take charge of it all, and prevent destruction of property.