Behind the Line: A Story of College Life and Football

o study. Outside it was raining in a weary, desultory way, and the heavens were leaden-hued. Livingston's quarters were on the front of that big

tractive backs of the one-and two-storied shops on Main Street. Livingston's room wasn't in any sense central, but he liked it because it was quiet, because aside from the

sed before long. Too bad we've got such weather for the affair." He glanced irresolutely toward the gas-fixture, and from thence to where his evening clothes lay spread out on the couch. For it was the eve

n!" he

g of felt from which the water dripped steadily as he tossed it aside; his sweater--he wore no coat--was soaking wet; and his trousers and much-darned go

en of them. I ran all the way as soon as I got on to Oak Street. There wasn't time to get any of the fellows together, so I just sneaked right over here. You can get out now and go--somewhere--to our room or the library. They won't look for you th

" asked Livingston. "You don't want me to belie

dded his head vigorously. "That's just what I do mean. There's

Cow

the others are to meet there. They've had fellows watching you all day. There's one at the corner now--

out of the window, Neil watching him impatiently and listening

pt such a silly trick," said Livingston at last. "You--you're qu

was changing my things over in a dark corner when they hurried in and went over into the next alley and bega

er--I don't intend to run from a few sophs. I'll lo

ut

they can't get in they'l

don't think!" cried Neil in intense scorn. "Now you listen to me, Livingst

p under the slight shelter of an elm-tree about fifty yards away from the house. From it emerged eight fellows in rain-coats, while the tall, lon

w," he whispered.

gston softly as he peered out over the other

ght get you. I wish it wasn't so dark! How about the back

away from them," replied his hos

shman president a moment, and then turned quickly and pulled the shades at the windows. "I've got i

of this room," ob

llers. Now go ahead. Do as I tell you, or I'll go off and leave you to be eaten alive!" Neil, grinning delightedly, thrust t

ut

he group of sophomores were no longer in sight, but at that moment he heard the front door close softly. There was no time to lose. He found a match and hurriedly lighted one burner over t

shuffling feet outside the study door, a low vo

he called

d walked to the gas-fixture, k

ned the pesky thing out! Just stand still until I find a match or you'll break your shins." He groped his way toward the mantel. Now was the sophomores' opportunity, and they seized it. Neil had done his best to

face, he cr

by strong arms. With a cry of simul

he remonstrated. "Look out

ould, he lifted his voice in loud cries for help. It worked like a charm. Instantly a carriage robe was thrown over his head and he was hurried down the steps, across the muddy sidewalk, and into the waiting vehicle which had been driven up before the house. Once inside, Neil was safe from detectio

uash in the mud; hear the carriage creak on its aged hinges; hear the shriek of a distant locomotive as

said one, and at the reply Neil

t. I guess that conceited little fool Fletcher will talk out of the other side of his mouth for a while now. What do you think? H

hers l

we didn't have to kidnap him, eh? By the way, our friend here seems ill at ease. Maybe we'd

darkness, settled himself to make the best of his predicament. Now that he had discovered Tom Cowan to be one of his abductors, he was filled with such glee that

for a drive, is i

reshman dinner to-night?" asked another. "Fo

ticular road you would like to drive? any pa

ho was Cowan. "Let's make him spea

"What I dislike about you, Cowan, is that you are never able to forget that

n instant; then la

wit, Baker," he said, "but I

y had crossed the railroad-track and reached the turnpike along the river, the carriage traveled smoothly. It was black night outside now, and through the nearest window at which the curtain had been lowered Neil could see nothing save an occasional light in some house. He didn't know where he was being taken, and d

o. Before him was the open door of a farm-house from which the light streamed hospitably. It was still drizzling, and Neil took shelter on the porch unchallenged; now

with low obeisance, "he will find accommodations which, while far from befit

set for supper. The others followed, Cowan grinning from ear to ear in anticipation of the victim's discomfiture. In his

ied the latter. Cowan made no an

to the light. Neil turned and faced them smilingly. The four

-be--hanged!

cidly to the di

y, "one against a hundred isn't