Gradually the soreness and stiffness of the players wore off toward the end of the week and they were practicing with their usual vim. Though many had been on the hospital list, almost the entire Varsity was available for a game the next Saturday, when one of the league contests was played with Ralston Academy. Kentfield won easily, and further clinched her chances for being the champion. But the hardest games--those of Blue Hill and Mooretown were yet to come. Of Mooretown, Dick had no fear as to the result, but Blue Hill was another matter. Still he strengthened his heart when he saw his men in vigorous practice. "They certainly are a great team!" he exulted, "and they are as hard as nails." Even in the gloom of defeat and in the preparation for gridiron battles yet to come, Dick had not forgotten his father's troubles. He kept in communication with Mr. Hamilton, and learned that matters were temporarily at a standstill. "They can't get the controlling lot of stock from Mr. Duncaster, and neither can I," wrote Dick's father. "So matters stand. But I have a new plan. I am coming to Kentfield soon, and I'll see that obstinate gentleman myself." "Dad coming here!" cried Dick in delight as he read the letter to Paul. "I hope he's in time for the Mooretown game." CHAPTER XXIV TREACHERY Mr. Hamilton arrived at Kentfield the day before the game with Mooretown. Dick welcomed his parent enthusiastically, and introduced him to all his chums, with whom the millionaire was soon on friendly terms. "You'll have a chance to see us play, dad!" cried the captain. "You'll go Mooretown with us; won't you?" "To see you beaten?" asked Mr. Hamilton quizzically. "Not much! We'll wipe up the gridiron with them!" cried Ray Dutton. "We've got to, if we want that loving cup," he added with a laugh, "and Blue Hill, too." "Well, I guess I'll come," assented Dick's father. "But I have some business to transact first." "I'm afraid you won't transact much of it," spoke Dick in a low voice. "Mr. Duncaster is very obstinate." "How are you going to Mooretown?" inquired Mr. Hamilton. "By special train. Our manager has arranged for one. I did think of autos, but the roads are pretty poor and then we want to take a big crowd with us to 'root' for a win. So we'll go by train." "Then I'll come along. Now tell me about this Mr. Duncaster," and Dick proceeded to do so, detailing his own visit, and that of Mr. Larabee. "Hum! A hard man to do business with. Still I've got to try, for it means a lot to me," and Mr. Hamilton sighed. Dick noticed with regret that his father's face was much more wrinkled than it had been, and the gray hairs were more numerous. "The strain is telling on him," mused the lad. "I wonder what would happen if he lost all his money--and if I lost mine," for of late Dick had transferred most of his funds to his father, to use in the electric road deal. In fact most of the Hamilton fortune was now tied up in that line.