aid in training the young men, and in getting up
sports and games for the gym. in winter, and for the athletic
field in the spring.

As soon as the classes were opened they were crowded to their
utmost capacity. All of the younger portion of Gridley seemed
suddenly anxious to go in for athletics.

"Prescott and his well-known comrades of the High School appear
to be leading in the very vanguard of athletics this year," stated
"The Blade" editorially.

Dick and his friends could not, however, give as much aid to the
new scheme now as they intended to do later. They were in the
middle of the football season, and that had to be carried through
first of all.

Yet it was a big evening for Dick, Dave and their chums when the
High School gym. was thrown open for the forming of the gymnastic
class for young men.

Almost three hundred presented themselves for enrollment. Scores
of the leading citizens were also on hand to see how the new plan
would take. Among these latter was Herr Schimmelpodt, the retired
contractor, who was always such an enthusiastic booster for High
School athletics.

"I tell you, Bresgott, it vos a fine idea of yours," cried the
big German, as he stood in a corner, looking on, while Dick talked
with him. "This vill keep young folks out of drouble, and put
dem in health. It vill put Gridley to being twice as good a town,
alretty."

"Hullo, Mr. Schimmelpodt," called a young clerk, passing in trunks
and gym. shoes. "Don't you get into a squad to-night? This would
do you a lot of good."

"Maype, if I go in for dis sort of thing, I crowd out some young
mans who needs it as much as you do," retorted the German, blinking.

"But don't you think you need it, also" laughed the clerk?

"Now, led me see," pondered the German. "Young man, you think
you gan run?"

"I know I can," laughed the clerk, leaping lightly up and down
on his soft gym. shoes.

"I yonder if you could reach dot door ofer dere so soon alretty
as I gan?" queried Herr Schimmelpodt.

"Will you run me a race?" grinned the clerk.

"Vell, you start, und ve see apout it."

Tantalizingly, the clerk started. Then he glanced back over his
shoulder. There was a great noise on the floor of the gym. Herr
Sclhimmelpodt had started. He was so big that he made a good
deal of noise when he traveled. But he was going like a streak,
and the clerk began to sprint in earnest.

It was all in vain, however. With a few great bounds H