th
the meeting held in the schoolhouse Saturday night, at which almost
every boy in town had been present, to hear the report of the Athletic
Committee, and learn who the lucky ones were.

Of course four-fifths of the aspirants entertained hopes that lightning
might be so kind as to strike the little rod which each had modestly
erected. There were doubtless burning regrets when the long list had
been finished, many disappointed fellows trying to laugh, and appear as
though they had never wanted the job anyway.

The call had gone forth for every boy selected to appear on the field
immediately after school that same Monday afternoon, for initial
practice. There was considerable speculation as to who would finally
bear off the honors, and make the first string of players. Being a
substitute was as much as some of them had any desire for, for as such
they might share in the glory, and have only a small measure of the
actual work.

When just before school took up, Nick Lang came along, he was the
"cynosure of every eye," as Reggie Van Alstyne was heard to remark in
his elegant way.

Nick had evidently made up his mind to just "grin and stand it." He
could scowl in his old fashion, and thus restrain others from being
"too fresh." These fellows need not begin to imagine themselves all
Hugh Morgans, and they had better leave him alone unless they were
seeking trouble.

Dr. Carmack thought it his duty that morning, at general exercises, to
speak of the meeting which he had attended on Saturday night.

"It was a thoroughly representative meeting of Scranton young people,"
he went on to say in his cordial way, which always endeared him to the
students of all the schools under his jurisdiction. "The committee
carried out their business in a commendable manner, and submitted a
list of names of acceptable candidates that in my opinion could not be
excelled. Let every one who is given the opportunity to contest for
the prizes, do his level best; and when later on the nine has been
selected we all hope and believe they will bring great honor to Old
Scranton High."

Of course the good doctor had been told about the little affair on the
road at the time the barn hop was in progress; but he was a wise
pedagogue, and made no mention of it in his address. Nick writhed in
his seat every time he saw the principal look his way, his guilty
conscience causing his fears to rise, with the thought that he might be
further humiliat