For a moment there was a period of intense silence in the room. Then several half-astonished gasps could be heard. Once more the boys looked at one another, but this time, instead of with puzzled glances, it was more with looks of fear, or at least uncertainty. "Haskell University," murmured Dick Hamilton. "Champions of the Military League year before last," added Innis. "And likely to be again this year," put in George Hall. "And he wants us to tackle them--us the tail-enders," muttered Jim Watkins. "It can't be did! We'd all be in the hospital, fellows, and our team would be crippled." Talk was flying thick and fast now, and almost every remark seemed to be against the daring plan of the coaches. Then Dick realized that he, as captain, ought to say something. It would not do to knuckle under in this craven fashion. A team to do anything must do or dare. "If Haskell will take us on, we'll play them," he said simply, as he arose in his seat. "But will they, after Blue Hill turned us down?" "I'm glad that at least your captain isn't afraid," spoke Mr. Spencer, for he and his colleague had heard the half-suppressed whispers of objection. "I know it sounds like a big thing to you, for I know what a strong team Haskell has. But I believe it will do you good to play that eleven. Of course if you don't feel that you could stand the pace, or----" "Go on! Challenge 'em! We'll play 'em." "Of course we will." "And beat 'em, too!" These expressions took the place of those heard a few minutes before. It argued a good change of heart. "I'm glad to hear that," commented Mr. Martin. "Then if Manager Hatfield will confer with us after the meeting and practice, we will arrange to get a date with them." "But will they play us?" asked Dick. "You know they always like to arrange big games, and they may not want to take us on." "Oh, I fancy that can be arranged," spoke Mr. Martin easily. "Mr. Spencer and I know the coach there and he is a good friend of ours. I am acquainted with the captain, too, and I am almost sure they will give us a game. Now let me congratulate you once more on the showing you made yesterday, and suggest that we get out to practice. We can't get any too much if we are to play Haskell--and beat them." He concluded his remarks with a grim smile. "Beat 'em! We'll be lucky if we hold 'em down to as much as the score by which we beat Dunkirk," remarked George Hall, as he stepped out beside Captain Dick. "Here! None of that!" cried the young millionaire, half seriously. "None of what?" asked George. "That treason talk," replied Dick. "I want you all to feel that we're going to win, or there isn't much use playing." "Oh, well, just as you say," agreed George with a laugh. "Do you think we'll win, Paul Drew?" "Of course," was the answer, for Paul was always loyal to his chum.