Down came the leader's baton. The bugle call shaded
off into a single strain from the band. Then out crashed: "See,
the conquering hero comes!"
With both teams marching onto the field the call was for courtesy.
Gridley H.S. and Cobber rose in their seats. The other spectators,
mostly, also stood up. Cobber Second came marching around in
review before Gridley H.S. seats, and received a rattling volley
of good, staunch old American cheers.
Gridley H.S. eleven took the other side of the field. With Sam
Edgeworth at their head they went past the visitors' seats, and
received the most thundering welcome that Cobber knew how to give.
Passing the two grand stands the captains wheeled their men marching
them out into the field. Two footballs bounded from the side
lines, and both teams began preliminary practice plays.
After that the band played a couple of lively airs. The people
on the grand stands did not pay much heed to the practice work.
They knew that the players were merely warming up.
Coach Morton came down along the side lines, halting close to the
cheer-master and his assistant. After the first greeting Mr.
Morton turned his eyes anxiously toward the field.
The day was ideal---not too cold. Though the sun was out, there
was some cloudiness, yet without a sign of rain or snow. The
field was in excellent shape for a fast game.
"Why, Dick, you're _trembling_!" grunted Dave Darrin, in amazement.
"I know it," Prescott confessed, half guiltily.
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