CHAPTER IV.
THE HEAD COACH.
"Upper Middle Class: Members will meet at the gym at 2.15, to march to depot and meet Mr.Remsen." "Louis WHIPPLE, _Pres't_." This was the notice pasted on the board in Academy Building the morning of Joel's fifth day at school.

Beside it were similar announcements to members of the other classes.

As he stood in front of the board Joel felt a hand laid on his shoulder, and turned to find Outfield West by his side.
"Are you going along ?" asked that youth.
"I don't believe so," answered Joel.

"I have a Latin recitation at two." "Well, chuck it! Everybody is going--and the band, worse luck!" "Is there a band ?" West threw up his hands in mock despair.
"Is there a _band?
Is_ there a band! Mr.March, your ignorance surprises and pains me.

It is quite evident that you have never heard the Hillton Academy Band; no one who has ever heard it forgets.