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 contingency. Plays were prescribed for this situation and that, and Chester was put through an examination in the choice of them that would have staggered a less confident youth. One or two doubtful plays which had been placed in the repertory were now stricken out, for somehow this evening their judgment seemed to have found a new clarity.

"Sometimes I think we've got too many plays," observed Dick doubtfully. "But we don't have to use them I suppose."

"The only objection to having a lot is that the fellows are liable to get them mixed," said Lanny. "Still, if we drop 3 and 11 that leaves us only eight 'freaks.'"

"I don't like that word 'freak,'" said Dick, with a smile. "I hope they won't prove 'freaks!'"

"Don't you worry, Dick," replied Chester heartily. "The plays we've got are all right. And you'll find that they'll keep Springdale guessing, too. The only one I'm scared of is that Number 10, the one Fudge calls his 'secret play.'"

"How the dickens did he happen to think that up?" asked Tupper.

"I don't know how he thought of it," replied Chester, "but I don't believe it will work, fellows."