Tom Clifton turned to his books again, and this time was able to give his undivided attention to study. When the members of the nine got together in the gym on the following day their faces looked grave but determined. "That last defeat seems to have made some of the fellows pretty sore," remarked Bob Somers. "The biggest kick of all is coming mighty soon," said Alf Boggs. "'Crackers' Brown and his crowd aren't saying much just now. But you can bet your uniforms they're getting ready." "I have the pleasant sensation of a chap who is sitting on a keg of gunpowder with some one behind about to touch it off," put in Dave Brandon, dryly. "Oh, I wish to goodness it was all over," sighed Charlie Blake. "What! The touching off process?" laughed Dave. "I don't want to leave the diamond that way. There's no glory in it." "Besides, it might hurt one's feelings," said Willie Singleton. "Well, I haven't had to go to a nerve specialist yet," grinned Fred Benson. "How d'ye do, Joe Rodgers! Haven't seen you for two days. What's doing?" "Seems to me an awful lot," answered Joe, with a grin. "Hello, Dave! Teacher says I'm going to make the High in great shape one of these days. What do you think? I'm playing on a baseball team." "Which one?" asked Dave. "The Stars. Nat Wingate said he'd give me a chance. Say, you don't think it's mean of me, do you?" "Of course not," answered the editor of the "Reflector." "Good luck, Joe! And play for all you're worth." Boys were flocking in and out of the big room, and above the general noise Benny Wilkins' voice soon made itself heard. "I tell you it is so, Aleck Parks! Look out! Who's treading on my toes? Yes, I saw him myself, only a few minutes ago, walking along as if he owned the whole earth. And when he got to Mr. Rupert Barry's he turned and went up those steps. Quit leaning against me, Luke Phelps. Are you too lazy to support your own hundred and fifteen pounds? Oh--there's Joe Rodgers over there!" "Finish your story!" cried Parks. "It isn't any story; it's true. Captain Bunderley didn't come out for twenty-five and a half minutes." "Wonder what in thunder he went there for?" inquired Luke Phelps. "Crackers" Brown, standing near the doorway, moved leisurely toward the group. "Straight goods, Benny?" he asked, pleasantly. "Certainly is. I jotted down a note, too. Reads like this: 'The Crackerites probably get their first big jolt.' You know, Brown, what the Cap thinks of this 'For-the-good-of-the-school' business." "He's an old meddler," said Brown, in a low tone. "The first thing you know he'll be stirring up trouble." "I know something else, 'Crackers,' and it ought to put more ginger into your voice. When he left Mr. Barry the 'Ancient Mariner' came hiking right over to the school." "He did?" exclaimed Brown. "He did! He's in there now. Guess he's telling President Hopkins a few fine things about Parks, Phelps and Company. Their squeak yesterday didn't do your side a bit of good, Brown."