"Think so?" Ned smiled in a superior way. "You come down this afternoon and see how much standing around I do. Joe Stevenson says I've got to practise goals now. Isn't that the limit?"
"I suppose it pains him to see you loafing," said Laurie. "Anyway, I dare say it'll keep you out of mischief."
Laurie led the way to the back fence, against which leaned a plank with two pieces of wood nailed across it. This afforded a short cut to and from school, and was an idea of Bob's. From the top of the fence they dropped into the shrubbery and then made their way to the side gate.
The arbor had not yet been denuded of its evergreen clothing, and there were other evidences of the recent festival in the shape of crumpled paper napkins lying on the ground. Thomas had taken down the lanterns and was packing them away in their case by the kitchen porch, and the boys called a greeting to him as they passed.
"Bob still mean to make a tennis-court here?" asked Ned, as they went through the gate.
"Yes. He's going to tear down that arbor right away, he says. So far, though, he hasn't found any one to do the work on the court. Every one is busy. I don't believe he will get it done in time to use it this fall."
"Of course he won't. It's nearly November now. Say, you'd better take this money and hand it over to Whipple. You'll see him before I do. And tell him to put Mrs. Deane's name down with the other folks who contributed, will you?"
"All right; but I think it's a shame to let her stand for all those cakes."
"Maybe we can make it up to her another way. I've got an idea, Laurie."
"I hope it's better than most of 'em. What is it?"
And when Ned had explained it, Laurie considered a long moment and then indorsed it enthusiastically. "That's corking!" he cried. "For once, Ned, the old bean has worked! Only, when could we--"
"Christmas vacation," said Ned. "We won't have much to do then. What do you say?"
"I say that, for the first time in my life, Neddie, I'm proud to acknowledge you as my twin!"
Assured of sufficient funds to complete its season without financial embarrassment, the Hillman's football team seemed to take a new and firmer grip on things. Practice went well that week, and the players showed vim and snap. Perhaps the colder weather helped, too. The line-up that faced the scrubs on Friday for a short scrimmage was, barring accidents, that which would, four weeks later, start the game against Hillman's old rival, Farview Academy. Farley and White were at the ends, Captain Stevenson and Pringle were the tackles, Emerson and Corson were the guards, and Kewpie Proudtree was at center. Frank Brattle at quarter, Mason and Slavin for halves, and Pope at full-back composed the rest of the team. There were some weak places, to be sure; but, on the whole, Coach Mulford was fairly satisfied that he had the parts for a capable machine.