Though they could only stand at the edge of the field and look on, yet that was rare fun, for no other freshmen were on the same side of the fence.
As all six of the boys knew considerable about the theories and rules of football, and as all of them watched closely the plays between Gridley H.S.and the subs, they soon saw the reason why Gridley had one of the most formidable High School teams in the country.
"Oh, for the day when _we_ can try to make the team!" uttered Dick Prescott, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.
The fund-raising scheme offered by Dick & Co.

went before the Athletic Committee that same evening.

It was accepted, as Prescott and Darrin, hanging about outside the H.S.building, learned an hour later.
In three days more the subscription papers had been printed and were distributed.

Every boy and girl in the school received one, with instructions to bring it back, "filled out"-- -or take the consequences.
Then the canvassing began.
Would it work?
Dick & Co.

felt that their own reputations hung in the balance.