ard manner, Frank said, "No." And he looked
Gaffney right in the eye.

Gaffney, who was the biggest fellow in the crowd, turned to the others
and said, "Fellows, I'm not looking for a fight, nor am I going to run
away from one. I'm going to stand by this kid. Not that I think he
needs anyone to brace him up. He is well able to take care of himself.
But I'm going to stand by him because I think fair play demands it.
What's got into you fellows. Doesn't a chap's record count for anything?
Hasn't Mulvy's record always been good? If a fellow is white all along,
is he going to turn yellow over night? Put on your thinking caps."

Frank's eyes were riveted on him, and they were moist. Gaffney saw it.
"Put out your hand, kid. You're good enough for me," he said.

"And for me." "And for me," others echoed, for Gaffney was a leader.

"I thank you, fellows, and you particularly, Gaffney," said Frank, as he
moved along. His steps seemed lighter. Gaffney, a real leader as well as
cheer leader for the games, believed in him. Perhaps the thing would
blow over. Some others might put on their thinking caps also. He hoped
so.

When he got near his own street, he ran into Dick, who had just met some
of the fellows who had been at the practice.

"I say, Hank," he began, "they had hot work up at the field. Bully
practice. The new guy is going fine, they say."

"Were you up?"

"No, but I got it from Fitzpatrick and Redmond, who were there all the
afternoon."

"I don't see how he could jump in on such short notice, and fill the
place. But if he does, so much the better."

"Will you be out at the game tomorrow?" asked Dick.

"No, I don't see how I could stand it," replied Frank.

(IV)

It broke clear and bracing next morning. It was football weather made to
order. Everybody was discussing the game. Stanley High and Regal had
even scores for the season. They were tied for the championship, and
this game was to decide it. In the morning, the boys got together at the
school to rehearse their cheers and songs. Gaffney was cheer leader. By
the time they had finished they were worked up to a high pitch of
excitement.

Louis Holten walked up to Gaffney at the close and said, "We've got 'em
licked, surely, Gaff."

"Not so fast, boy. Stanley has something to say about that."

"Yep, Stanley's record is first class all right, but you should have
seen our bunch at it yesterday. Nothing can stop them!"

"I hope so, Holten, but I'd f