The loss of Cowan will greatly weaken the team, it is feared, but that fact has not been allowed to influence the committee.
The decision is heartily concurred in by the coaches, the captain, and all officials, and, being in line with Erskine's policy of purity in athletics, should have the instant indorsement of the student body.
H.W.NAST, _Chairman_.
The announcement, as was natural, brought consternation, and for several days the football situation was steeped in gloom.

Witter and Hurst were seized upon by the coaches and drilled in the tactics of right-guard.

As Foster had said, Witter, while he was a good player, was light for the position.

Hurst, against whom no objection could be brought on the ground of weight, lacked experience.

In the end Witter proved first choice, and Hurst was comforted with the knowledge that he was practically certain to get into the game before the whistle sounded for the last time.
Meanwhile Artmouth came and saw and conquered to the tune of 6-0, profiting by the news of Cowan's withdrawal and piling their backs through Witter, Hurst, and Brown, all of whom took turns at right-guard.
The game was not encouraging from the Erskine point of view, and the gloom deepened.