"Proposition number three is this: in case the Ramblers refuse all overtures, the students shall recognize our team--the hard-working, victorious 'Hopes'--as the official representative of the school!" The storm of approval which immediately followed grew to such uproarious proportions as to make the combined efforts of the "outlaws" to restore order futile. Their voices were drowned in a roar of sound which carried a conviction to the hearts of Bob's friends that the Kingswood High was about to be plunged into the stormiest period of its history. Earl Roycroft looked hot and uncomfortable as he heard his name called from every point of the campus. "Roycroft, Roycroft! Speech--speech!" This cry was caught up and repeated until the big fellow was literally forced to take his place beside Dan Brown. Only husky throats and tired lungs brought the quiet for which Dan Brown was pleading. "Look out--there'll be a perfectly good box busted under that ton weight!" piped Victor Collins. "Fellows, I appreciate your kindness," said the big captain of the "Hopes." "I only want to do the right thing for the school. We all know that every effort should be made to win Mr. Barry's field; and I'm afraid the regular team is not equal to the job. I am one of those who believe the majority counts. If you agree with Brown--and it looks very much as if you do--all I have to say is: give us your support." "We will--we will!" "Our team is going to develop rapidly. We ask you to watch its progress." As Earl stepped down, to be slapped enthusiastically upon the shoulder by Owen Lawrence, Brown spoke up: "If any of the officers of the athletic association or the Ramblers are present I invite them to state their side of the case. That's fair enough, isn't it?" There was an instant of tense silence. "They're over on the lot practicing, coachy," cried Victor Collins. "Those chaps are right on the job, while you're putting up the biggest blow I ever listened to." "Crackers" gazed toward him mildly, but made no reply. "Fellows"--he abruptly raised his voice to a pitch of harshness--"I ask you to pledge your support. Those who are with us raise their hands." Arms shot up from every quarter, and the roar of voices which accompanied the movement caused the boys practicing on the distant field to stop and look around. CHAPTER XV A DECISION "I hope you understand, Somers, that I have nothing against you fellows. Nobody ever heard me squeal. But if the school wants me to play what can I do?" Earl Roycroft, with an expression of embarrassment on his good-natured face, was speaking to Bob Somers, not more than an hour after the meeting on the campus. "I don't blame you, Roycroft," answered Bob, as the two walked along Central Avenue. "I'm sure the rest won't, either." "Not even Tom?" queried the captain of the "Hopes," with a faint smile. "On reflection, I'm not so sure about that," grinned Bob.