Page:The fighting scrub, (IA fightingscrub00barb).pdf/96

 have more games if we were permitted to play away from home. But we aren't, and I think three will be enough, anyhow. So now you know what's ahead of you, Scrub. A lot of steady, grinding work, a little play, and virtue more or less its own reward. Who's for it?"

It was evident that all were. A shout went up from twenty throats that carried as far as the diamond and aroused interest and conjecture there. Having joined his voice with the others, Clif turned and looked rather pityingly toward the First Team field. Those poor chaps over there didn't realize what they were missing! Mr. Babcock was speaking again. He was on his feet now, and in response to the suggestion of his movement the fellows were leaving the seats.

"We'll have the first scrimmage with the other gang about Friday. That gives us four days to get ready. I'd suggest that before the Freeburg game you elect a captain. But don't do it just yet. Wait until you've played together awhile. Until you choose a leader for yourself you'll need some one in authority, though, and so I'll appoint Henning temporary captain."

"Cheer for Captain Clem!" laughed some one.

Clement Henning grinned sheepishly. He was a big First Class fellow who had played guard for two years on scrub teams. He was steady, hard working, good-natured and slow. Last season, for a brief and glorious fortnight, he had been transferred to the big team, but he couldn't hold down his job there, and had returned, untroubled, it appeared, to the Scrub. Clem