His bulletin announced that he intended to try to make the coming nine the best yet.

It didn't say that, in so many words, but the bulletin implied it.
Fred Ripley did not hit upon the idea of improved scholarship.
Instead, that young man went into two classes, after recess, and reported "not prepared." Then he settled back into a brown study of his chances in baseball.
"I don't suppose Dick & Co.

will have the nerve to try for anything better than the second nine," muttered Fred to himself.

"Still, one can never tell what that crowd will have the nerve to do!" School out, Fred hurried home faster than was his wont.

He caught his father just as the latter was leaving the lunch table.
"Dad, can I have a few minutes' talk with you about one of my ambitions ?" pleaded Fred.
"Certainly, my boy," replied the wealthy, retired lawyer.