There were twenty-eight of the former, heavily built, strapping-looking fellows, and with them a small army of coaches, trainers, and supporters.

Neil dug his elbow against Paul.
"Look," he said, "there's your friend Brill." And sure enough, there was the Robinson coach who had visited the two at Hillton a year before and tried to get them to go to the rival college.
"If you'd like to make arrangements for next year, Paul," Neil whispered mischievously, "now's your time." But Paul grinned and shook his head.
The players and most of the coaches tumbled into carriages and were taken out to Erskine Field for a short practise, and the balance of the arrivals started on foot toward the hotel.

The three friends retraced their steps.

Luckily, the proprietor of the bicycle repair-shop was so busy looking over the strangers that they passed unseen in the little stream.

There remained the better part of an hour before lunch-time, and they found themselves at a loss for a way to spend the time.