"
Something in the looks of the five freshmen, as they burst into
the hall attracted the attention of nearly everyone present.
Dick held up his hand as a sign for the dancing to stop. But
Dave Darrin was already up on the platform, talking in the leader's
ear, and the music did not cease.
As quickly as could be Dick got the upper classmen away from the
girls, at the lower end of the hall.
"What is it? What can be the matter?" all the girls wanted to
know.
But Dick called out, loudly enough to make himself heard:
"Young ladies, it is highly important that the music and the sounds
of moving feet be kept up. Won't you young ladies please dance
with each other until we bet back? Then we'll tell you an interesting
story---if you're good."
In the meantime Tom Reade was telling Thompson, Badger and Edgeworth,
and as many more as could get close enough, what had happened.
"See here, fellows," spoke Thomp, "there's a big chance fer the
crowd to win fun and glory for good old Gridley H.S. Seniors and
Dick & Co. will steal down the alleyway, and be upon that lookout
before he can say 'batter-cakes and coffee.' Juniors and sophs
go in a bunch, prepared to catch the lookout on Main Street.
All get your coats and come softly down the _side_ stairs!"
In many gatherings the speed and comprehension with which all
the Gridley High School boys acted would have been regarded as
marvelous. But they were always in training for athletics. Team
work and the spirit of speed and discipline prevailed among them.
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