“We’ll both of us keep that prep. school idea in mind, though,” proposed Ripley, just before the pair entered the school building.

By the time that this exclusive pair entered the general assembly room the scene before them was none too pleasing.  The congratulatory crowd being too large for Dick alone, his five partners were holding separate little receptions for groups, relating how Dick, Dave and Greg had captured Tip Scammon.  Such speculation there was as to who Tip’s unrecognized companion could have been the night before.  As Fred stepped into the big room he was conscious of many unfriendly glances that were sent in his direction.

As early as possible Dick Prescott sought out Laura Bentley and Bell Meade, and to them he expressed his heartiest thanks for the splendid aid they had given him toward this present happy moment.

So great was the clamor, in fact, that, when the gong outside struck the “minute-call” at 7.59, no one in the assembly room seemed to hear it.  Then came the jingling of the assembly bell in the big room.  A murmur of surprise ran around, for time had passed rapidly since Dick’s appearance.  In another moment the only sound was that of quiet footfalls as the young ladies and gentlemen of the Gridley H.S. moved to their seats.  In a few seconds more only the ticking of the big clock was heard.

CHAPTER XII

DICK & CO.  GIVE FOOTBALL A NEW BOOST

By recess the feeling had quieted down.  Dick Prescott was only a freshman, but it is safe to say that he was the most popular freshman who had ever “happened” at Gridley H.S.

However, the noisy spirit of welcome had spent itself Dick & Co. were given a chance to go away quietly by themselves and talk over their own affairs.

Fred Ripley appeared to be the only unhappy boy in the lot.  He kept to himself a good deal, and the scowl on his face threatened to become chronic.

Recess was nearly up when Thomp and Captain Sam Edgeworth, of the eleven, approached Dick & Co.  A nod from Edgeworth drew Prescott away from his chums.

“Prescott, as you know, we don’t usually allow freshmen to mix much with us in the athletic line.  But the fellows feel that you are a big exception.  You couldn’t possibly make the team this year, of course, but we well, we thought you might like a bit of the social end of the squad.  We thought you might like to come around to our headquarters and see us drill and hear our talk of the game.  Would it interest you any?”

“Would it?” glowed Dick.  “Why, as much as it would please a ragpicker to be carried off to a palace to live!”

“Do you care to come around and see us this afternoon?” pursued Captain Sam.  “Say three o’clock.”

“I’d be delighted.”

“Then come around and see us, Prescott.  Maybe you’ll be interested in something that you see and hear.”