But Dick, looking utterly innocent, was chewing his food.
Frank Thompson, Ben Badger and Ted Butler, all seniors, and stars on the H.S.football team, had risen early that morning, every one of them feeling glum over the dread that the great sport might be "killed" for them.

They were the only members of the eleven who happened to see "The Blade" early.

In consequence, these three husky young Americans were on the street early.

Just as naturally they ran into each other.
"Whoop!" yelled Thompson, when he came in sight of his pals.
"Wow!" observed Ben.
"And some more!" glowed Butler.
"Will they stop football _now_ ?" demanded Thompson.
"Not while anyone is looking," averred Butler.
"But say, it was great of the Business Men's Club to make such a stroke for us," went on Badger, enthusiastically.
"Yes," admitted Frank Thompson, "if that was where it came from.
I guess it was, all right." Arm in arm the three went off down the street, feeling as though the world had turned right side up once more.
Dick met his partners on the way to the High School.

All were grinning quietly.
"You're the genius, Dick," admitted Dan Dalzell, cordially.