Then the fellows began to look at each other, wonderingly.

To be sure, they didn't stand so much in personal awe of the principal.

But then Mr.Cantwell had the Board of Education behind him.

There was Superintendent Eldridge, also, and back of it all, what parents might---oh, hang it, it began to look just a bit serious now.
"Who are the heroes here ?" called out one fellow.
"Why ?" demanded another.
"Well, we need our assured brave ones to lead going back." "That's where the baseball squad comes in, then," nodded Purcell.
"School nine and subs first, second team following.

Then let the chilly-footed ones bring up the rear." "We can go back in column of fours," proposed Dick, as he fastened on his collar, "with no leaders or file-closers.