Fred was not the only one who gazed with interest at the rich bully. Indeed, there was scarcely a pair of eyes in the hall that was not focused upon him, and, conscious of their scrutiny, Bart flushed, dropping as quickly as he could into the seat Taffy had been saving for him. The hum of comment that greeted his appearance was quickly checked, however, by the headmaster who arose and began the chapel service. When this was concluded, Mr. Vining moved to the side of the table. "You all know that one of the advantages afforded by the Baxter High School is the Scholarship in Science. This Scholarship, which is open to any member of the Second Form, amounts to two hundred dollars, a sum worthy the best efforts of all members of the Form. The gentleman who endowed it, Mr. Anthony Baxter, wisely stipulated that it should be awarded upon the result of the mid-winter examinations. As all who wish to try for the prize must make their purpose known, I therefore request that aspirants enroll now." As the headmaster ceased speaking, there was a buzz of whispering while the students awaited the appearance of the entrants. The work required of the participants was admittedly hard, requiring such close application that members of the athletic teams had never entered, being unable to carry both the study and the field practice. Accordingly, it was with a gasp of dismay that the boys and girls beheld Fred rise from his seat and advance to the platform. "If you please, sir, I wish to enroll for the Scholarship," he said, in a clear voice. Restraining his surprise, for as teacher of the sciences, he knew that Fred was none too good at them, Mr. Vining wrote down the boy's name. The realization that Fred's action meant his desertion of the Second's team, of which he, as left half-back, was one of the main supports, filled the scholars with consternation. The Landon Second had been weakened by the withdrawing from school of several of its strongest players, and, in consequence, the students at Baxter had hoped their team might this year obtain the victory, which had gone to their rivals four times in succession. But, if Fred did not play, their hope would be vain. So absorbed were they, therefore, in consideration of this calamity they did not notice that no one else had enrolled for the scholarship, until Mr. Vining asked: "Does no other student in the Second Form intend to enter? The provisions of the gift declare there must be at least three contestants, or there shall be no award, the sum reverting to the endowment fund." This fact thus recalled to them, interest once more centered in the scholarship. As no one responded to the headmaster's call, a smile spread over Bart's face, which quickly disappeared, however, when Taffy got up. "Sit down," hissed the bully. "But I have as good a chance as Fred," returned the boy. "Never mind if you have. You don't need the money. Fred does, and if no one else enters, he can't get it."