Meanwhile he reported regularly for practice, and was a tower of strength to the scrub eleven, many of the players on which, regardless of Button's influence, made of Dick a better friend than heretofore.
Several unimportant games followed, one of which resulted in a tie, Kentfield winning the others, and then came the occasion of the final struggle with Mooretown. It was the greatest game of the season, as it meant much to both academies.
The day before the contest Dick was surprised to receive a visit from Russell Glen, one of the freshmen cadets, who, hitherto, had scarcely taken the trouble to nod to him. Glen wanted to be considered a "sport," and Dick had heard that he had had a hand in taking Grit off to the dog fight.
"I had a letter from a friend of mine to-day," said Glen, by way of introduction, as he lolled in one of Dick's easy chairs. "It contained some surprising news."
"Yes?" asked Dick politely.
"Yes, it was from Guy Fletcher, of Hamilton Corners. He spoke of you, and asked me if I knew you."
"Well?" asked Dick, wondering what was coming.
"I was quite surprised to know that you and Guy were friends," went on Glen.
"Oh, yes, I've known Guy for some time,"
