a copy of the photograph showing Dick close
to the weather vane on his climb. A half-tone cut made from this
photograph was printed in "The Blade."

"This young man is now a member of 'The Blade' staff, reporting
school and other matters," ran the comment under the spirited
picture. "We believe that Mr. Prescott will continue to be a
member of the staff, and to grow with 'The Blade.'"

"What about that, Dick?" laughed Darrin.

"I've told Mr. Pollock and Mr. Bradley that I believe my plans
will carry me a good distance away from 'The Blade' office after
this year," replied Dick, with a meaning smile. "If they won't
believe me now, perhaps they'll wake up later."

The town had not been wanting in croakers at the outset of the
football season, who had predicted that Dick Prescott and his
chums would "drag down" the football team and its fine traditions
from past years.

But the eleven, mainly under Dick and under Dave's captaincy in
two fierce gridiron battles, had gone right along winning games.

The last three battles had been fought out to a successful finish
in November. There now remained only the Thanksgiving Day game
to complete the season.

By all traditions each football team in the country strives to
have its biggest fight take place on Thanksgiving Day. By another
tradition, every team seeks to have this game take place on the
home grounds.

In the latter respect Gridley lost this year. The game, which
was against Fordham High School, was scheduled to take place at
Fordham.

Enthusiasm, however, was at top notch. Citizens hired the Gridley
Band to go along with the young men and help out on noise. A
special train in two sections was chartered, for some seven
hundred Gridleyites had voted in favor of an evening dinner on
Thanksgiving Day; they were going along to see the game.

Fordham had lost two games, against exceptionally strong teams,
earlier in the season, but had of late a fine record. Fordham
had dropped several of its original players, putting in heavier
or better men, and a new coach had been employed. The Fordham
boys were now believed to be able to put up a strenuous game.

"I hope you're going to win, Prescott," said Mr. Macey,
meeting Dick on the street one afternoon not long before Thanksgiving.

"Have you any doubts, sir?" smiled the captain of the Gridley
team.

"Well, you see, Fordham was my native town. I run down there
often, and I know a good deal of what's goi