rtance has come
up in connection with the football work. Will you, without mentioning
this note, and without doing anything that can sound the warning
to any other student, meet me at 'The Blade' office as soon as
possible after school is dismissed? I shall go to 'The Blade'
office just as soon as I get away from here, and I shall await
you in the greatest anxiety.

"Prescott."_

This note Dick carried forward and left on the general desk.
It was addressed to Mr. Morton, and marked "immediate."

When the reciting classes returned, and the teachers followed,
Mr. Morton read his note without change of expression.

A moment later school was dismissed.

"In a hurry, Dick?" called Dave, racing after his leader as the
young men made a joyous break away from the school building.

"Yes," breathed Prescott. "Come along, Dave. But I don't want
the others, for I don't want a crowd."

"Why, what-----"

"Quiet, now, old fellow," murmured Dick. "You'll have a big enough
surprise in a few moments."

They got away together before their other chums had a chance
to catch up.

"From the look in your face, I'd say that there was something
queer in the air," guessed Dave.

"There is, Darrin. But wait until the moment comes to talk about it."

Walking rapidly, the two chums came to "The Blade" office. Jarvis,
who had been sitting at the back of the office, rose as the two
Gridley boys entered. Dick quietly introduced Dave to the young
man from Tottenville who greeted him cordially.

"Now, we're waiting for one more before we talk," smiled Dick
anxiously.

At that moment the door opened again, and Mr. Morton entered briskly.

"Now, Captain, what is your news?" called coach, as he came forward.

"Why, this is one of the Tottenville team, isn't it?"

"Mr. Morton, Captain Jarvis, of the Tottenville High School team,"
replied Dick, and the two shook hands.

Then Dick drew the typewritten document from his pocket. They
could talk here, for Mr. Pollock had been the only other occupant
of the room, and that editor has just stepped out to the composing
room.

"Captain Jarvis received this in the mail this morning, sir,"
announced Prescott, in a voice that quivered with emotion.

Coach glanced through the paper, his face showing plainly what
he felt. Then Dick took the paper and passed it to Dave Darrin,
who sat consumed by curiosity.

"The abominable traitor---whoever he is!" cried Dave, rising
as though he fo