o closely," protested Dan, more
soberly, "or you'll find lots of bad holes in the scheme. Yet,
somehow, we've got to bring it to the attention of the Board that,
if they go against High School football, they're real dead ones."

"I've just an idea we can do that," spoke Dick Prescott, reflectively.
"We can rig the scheme over, so as to save seven estimable business
men from starting out on fools' errands. And we can drive the
lesson home to the Board just as hard---perhaps harder."

At these hopeful words from the chief the partners pricked up
their ears, then crowded closer.

"In the first place," began Dick, "Dan's scheme---beg your pardon,
old fellow---is clumsy, grisly and likely to come back as a club
to hit us over the head. Now, you all know Len Spencer, the
'Morning Blade' reporter. He's a regular 'fan' over the football
and baseball teams, and follows them everywhere in the seasons.
You also know that Len is a pretty good friend of mine. If I
put Len up to a scheme that will furnish him with good 'copy'
for two mornings, he'll put it through for me, and be as mum as
an oyster."

"How can Len help us in anything?" demanded Dave Darrin, wonderingly.

"Listen!" ordered Dick Prescott, with a twinkle in his eyes.

When Dick & Co. hurried back at the close of recess they felt
serene and content. All the partners felt that Dick Prescott,
the most fertile boy in ideas at the Central Grammar School, was
going to be able to save the day for football. For Dick had propounded
a scheme that was sure to work---barring accidents!

That evening the Board of Education met in dull and stately session.
These meetings were generally so dull and devoid of real news
that the local press was content to get its account from the secretary's
minutes. Tonight was no exception in this respect. No reporter
was present when Chairman Stone rapped for order. Seven excellent
men were these who sat around the long table. Most of them had
made their mark in local business, or in the professions. Yet,
as it happened, none of these excellent men had ever made a mark
in athletics in earlier years. As they appeared to have succeeded
excellently in life without football the members of the Board
were inclined to reason that football must be a bad thing.

After the session had droned along for three-quarters of an hour,
and all routine business had been transacted, Chairman Stone looked
about at his fellow Board members.

"Gent