And Whipple as temporary captain was well enough, but Whipple as captain during the big game was not to be thought of with equanimity.
The backs had already been weakened by the loss of Cloud, who, despite his poor showing the first of the season, had it in him to put up a rattling game.

And now to lose Blair! What did the faculty mean?
Did it want Hillton to lose?
But presently hope took the place of despair among the pupils.

He was going to coach up and pass a special exam the day before the game.

Professor Ludlow was to help him with his modern languages and Remsen with his mathematics, while Digbee, that confirmed old grind, had offered to coach him on Greek.

And so it would be all right, said the school; you couldn't down Blair; he'd pass when the time came! But Remsen--and Blair himself, had the truth been known--were not so hopeful.