The Doctor and some of his family are there looking on, and seem as anxious as any boy for the success of the School-house.

We get a minute's breathing-time before old Brooke kicks out, and he gives the word to play strongly for touch, by the three trees.

Away goes the ball, and the bull-dogs after it, and in another minute there is shout of "In touch!" "Our ball!" Now's your time, old Brooke, while your men are still fresh.

He stands with the ball in his hand, while the two sides form in deep lines opposite one another; he must strike it straight out between them.

The lines are thickest close to him, but young Brooke and two or three of his men are shifting up farther, where the opposite line is weak.