"Martin, if the boys at your school are not enough in earnest to arrange the contest through an authorized committee, then folks will understand that the North Grammar didn't really want a swimming contest." "But we do want one," blustered Martin.
"Then go about it in a regular way, after consulting your principal, as the Central Grammar boys have done," urged Len.

"And, instead of meeting here on a corner, you can meet at my desk at the 'Blade' office." Hi Martin was "stumped" at this point, and he knew it.

If he backed out now he would make himself and his school ridiculous.
"All right," agreed the North Grammar boy reluctantly.
"Don't forget to bring a note from your principal to the effect that the boys named are the regular school committee," Dick called after him.
"We'll do the thing in our own way," Hi retorted.

"Come along, Bill." "I thought Martin might be up to some tricks," muttered Dick Prescott.
"If he is, tricks won't help him or his school," laughed Len.
"We'll see this thing put through in regular shape." So, on Tuesday afternoon, Dick and his fellow members of the committee were at the "Blade" office punctually.
At ten minutes past the time no boy from the North Grammar had appeared.
"You won't have to wait much longer," smiled Len.

"It looks as though the North Grammar boys were bluffing." At ten minutes of five Dick and his chums rose to leave the "Blade" office.
"Wait a minute," urged Len at the door.