Behind the Line: A Story of College Life and Football

attendance of the entering class, while the absence of sophomores was considered by those who

Fanwell Livingston was put in nomination by one of his St. Mathias friends in a speech that secured wide applause, and the nomination was duly sec

ions?" asked the chairman,

-grilled field of battle had successfully led the hosts of Hillton Academy against the St. Eustace hosts." (Two St. Eustace graduates howled derisively.)

erent parts of the hall as to who in thunder Gale was. Neil secured recognition ere the applause had subsided, and seconded the nomination. He avoided rhetoric, and told his classmates in

overwhelming odds and through the greatest of difficulties as Gale did last year is not the sort to sit around in corners and watch the procession go by. No, sir; keep your eye on him. I'll wager that before the year's out you'll be prouder of him

arrassed by the praise and acclaim, smiled with satisfaction. "That was

e this was proceeding announcement was made that the annual Freshman Class Dinner would be held on the evening of

ounced, "is as follows: Livingston, 97; Gale, 45

rose and announced that the president-elect was not in the hall. Paul, after a glance of bewilderment at

hey found themselves in a pushing throng at the door. The chairman was vainly clamoring for some one

t door,"

nswered a voice up f

and indignation. "The sophs did it!" "Where are they?" "B

" yelled those in front. "

l, Paul, and some of the others examined the lock. The key was still there, but, unfortunately, on the outside. Breaking the door down w

the janitor," said Neil.

a chorus of derision floated up from below. Gathered almost under the windows

jump?" These gibes were followed by cheers for "'04" and

too babyish. The key's in the outside of the lock. I think I can get down all right by the ivy, and I'll un

e. But for a moment none came forward to share t

"We can manage those dubs down there alone. The rest of you can sit dow

fect. Four other freshmen signified their willingness to die for their class, and Neil climbed on to th

ng to fly, fellows! Good little Freshie's got wings!"

fully twenty-five feet from the ground. The ivy branch, ages old, was almost as large as his wrist, and quite strong enough to bear his weight just as long as it did not tear from its fastenings. Whether it would hold in place remained to be seen. Neil judged that if he could low

, "but don't lose your grip.

e swayed and gave at every strain, but held. From below came the sound of clapping. Hand under hand he went. The oblong of faint

wayed at e

reshie!" "You

shrubbery. The fellows above applauded wildly. With a glance at the near-by group of s

ile Paul was making his descent and receiving his meed of applause from friend and foe. And as he dropped to earth there came a

" was the cry.

cheering loudly, the representatives of

eturn to the room for their shoes and coats. Paul had forgotten some of his disappo

ret electing that fellow Livingston before I'm through with them! Much I care about