Meanwhile the scrub was being moulded into shape, for a good opponent is a necessary element in practice, and unless there is something to fight against practice goes for little. And how eager that same scrub was to make touchdowns against the Varsity! How they did work, taking desperate chances all the while, and the individual players making names for themselves by brilliant dashes. For they all wanted to get on the first team, and they bore in mind what the coaches had said about giving them a chance if they did well. "We certainly have our work cut out for us," remarked Dick, after a particularly gruelling day. "I'm as lame as a fellow who's tumbled downstairs." "Same here," agreed Paul. "Some one walked all over me in that last scrimmage." But the effect of the hard work was fast becoming noticeable, for the team was getting to be like "nails" as Mr. Martin said, and the players were working more in unison. There was a practice game between the Varsity and scrub on Saturday, and it was the best one yet, from a critical football viewpoint. The coaches nodded their heads in approval when the first team made six touchdowns. And, though the scrub did manage to get a field goal, it was not to the discredit of the Varsity. "We're picking up," declared Dick, as he ducked under a shower bath in the gymnasium. "We'll be able to challenge Blue Hill again, and they won't dare turn us down." "I think we're going to try on some other team first," said Paul. "I heard the coaches talking about it. But say, who's going to be our captain--have you heard?" "Not a word about it. Maybe it will fall on you, since Teddy is out." "Jove! it would be an honor, but I don't hope for it. I'd like to see you fill that berth," went on Paul unselfishly. "Nonsense!" exclaimed Dick. "I guess--blub--glub--ugh!" for he turned his head up and the shower from the spray filled his mouth and nose unexpectedly. "Wow! That was a wet one!" he cried when he had caught his breath. "Dutton would like to be captain, I hear," put in George Hall, who was in the next shower to Paul. "He says he's going to try for it." "And he'd be a good one," declared Dick heartily, for he and his former enemy were now firm friends, though not exactly chums. There were many speculations as to who would head the eleven, but the coaches had advised the cadets to wait until the Varsity team was definitely selected before holding an election, and this had been agreed to. There came a long telegram for Dick late that Saturday night. It was from his father, and showed more plainly than anything else how anxious the financier was. For he did not wait to write a reply to Dick's letter, preferring the speed of the wire. * * * * * "See Duncaster by all means," read part of the message, "and offer him ten points above par for the stock--all he has. It's a big price, but it will soon be worth more. See him soon."