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166 long before he could play fairly well. He was a good runner, and could dodge as neatly as anybody, and these accomplishments counted for a good deal.

A few miles further up the Leming River was the town of Rockville, where was located the Rockville Military Academy, an institution not quite as large as Oak Hall. Between the two institutions there was a constant and keen rivalry, and the football season was at its height when a challenge was received from Rockville to play on a Saturday afternoon at three o'clock.

"I knew it would come," said Roger, as he read the challenge aloud. "Now, fellows, we must show them what we can do."

"Did you play them last year?" asked Dave.

"Yes, three games. They won two and we won one."

"Then their team must be better than ours was."

"We lost two players by sickness at the last moment," put in Phil. "That made us lose the third game."

The team to play the Rockville Institution was placed under Roger's control, and he picked his players with great care. Ben, he knew, was a good football player, and was made quarterback, while Phil was a halfback. Much to Dave's surprise Sam Day was put in as right tackle.