This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
AN UNEXPECTED CLEW
241

again. They had played another minor game, and had rolled up a surprisingly big score.

"But the trouble of it is," said Tom, as he got in a more comfortable position on the creaking sofa, "the trouble of it is that Boxer Hall is doing just as well. She's cleaning up everything that comes her way."

"But we have a look-in at the championship," declared Sid.

"Yes, if we win the game Saturday against Pentonville Prep.," agreed Phil.

"Oh, we'll do that all right," declared Frank.

The football situation in the Tonaka Lake League was peculiar that year. In spite of the fact that Randall had not done well and had been beaten by Fairview, the latter college had "slumped" so after her victory over Randall that she was practically out of it as regards the championship. Should Randall win the game against Pentonville, which was almost a foregone conclusion, there would be a tie between Boxer Hall and the college of our heroes for the championship. It was this knowledge which made the players, coach and captain a trifle nervous, for so much depended on the final struggle that was close at hand.

Would it be Randall or Boxer Hall that would carry off the honors of the gridiron?

"Well, we'll play our heads off, that's all I can