“Very well,” answered Dick politely, raising his cap.  “And how are you?”

“Oh, fine!  I made papa drive me over to see the game.  It’s going to be something grand, so I’ve heard,” went on Minnie, and then she added:  “Thought you and your brothers were coming to see us?”

“We—­er—­we haven’t had much time,” stammered Dick.  He did not care to add that when he went to see a young lady it was always Dora Stanhope, and that Tom and Sam called only on Nellie and Grace Laning.

“I’ve been expecting you,” said the girl with a pretty pout.

“Have Dudd Flockley and Jerry Koswell been there since?”

“Yes, both of them came once, and Flockley came after that, but I refused to see them.  Mr. Flockley wished to bring me to see this game, but I sent word that I was going with papa.”

“He ought to know enough to stay away by this time,” said Dick.  He could think of no other remark to make.

“Can I get a seat anywhere?” asked Minnie, looking anxiously over in the direction of the grandstand.

“I think so.  Wait, I’ll look.”

“Hold on,” put in Mr. Sanderson.  “Just you take Minnie along, Mr. Rover.  I’ll go and take care of the hoss.  I can stand anywhere and look on.”

Minnie prepared to spring to the ground, and there was nothing to do but for Dick to assist her.  He wondered if Sam was coming with Dora and the others, but did not see them.  Then he led the way through the crowd to where some seats were reserved.

“I think you’ll be able to see nicely from here,” he said.

“Oh, I know I shall.”  She smiled broadly at him.  “You are very kind.  I don’t know what I should have done if I had been alone—­there is such a jam.  Oh, I do hope you win!” And Minnie beamed on Dick in a manner that made him blush, for he saw that several were watching them.

“I must go now.  It is getting late,” said Dick after a little more talk.  He turned, to see Sam, Dora and the Laning girls only a few seats away.  Dora was looking fully at Minnie Sanderson with wide open eyes and a flush mounting to her cheeks.

“Oh, so you’ve arrived!” cried Dick cheerily, but his voice had a catch in it.  Somehow he felt guilty, he could not tell why.

“Yes, here we are,” answered Nellie.

“And what a crowd!” added Grace.  Dora said not a word.  She had stopped looking at Minnie and her eyes were directed to nothing at all on the football field.

“Well, Dora, are you going to wish me success?” asked Dick, bound to say something.

“Oh, I guess all your lady friends will wish you that,” was the answer in a voice that did not seem like Dora’s at all.

“Why, what’s the matter?” he asked in a low voice meant only for her ears.

“Nothing.”

“But there is, Dora.”

“You had better go down to the field now.  I see the other players are getting ready.”

“But if you are angry at me—­”