The football situation in the Tonaka Lake League was peculiar that year. In spite of the fact that Randall had not done well and had been beaten by Fairview, the latter college had "slumped" so after her victory over Randall that she was practically out of it as regards the championship. Should Randall win the game against Pentonville, which was almost a foregone conclusion, there would be a tie between Boxer Hall and the college of our heroes for the championship. It was this knowledge which made the players, coach and captain a trifle nervous, for so much depended on the final struggle that was close at hand.
Would it be Randall or Boxer Hall that would carry off the honors of the gridiron?
"Well, we'll play our heads off, that's all I can say," remarked Tom, as he glanced over the sporting pages of a paper. "I see that they're trying some new kicking game at Boxer."
"Yes, they're always after fads," declared Phil. "But straight football, with some of the old-fashioned line bucking, such as we play, and two halves, are good enough for me."
"I guess nothing will come of that law business before the final game, eh, fellows?" went on Tom, who seemed anxious about it.
"No danger of a decision from the courts right away," said Frank. "From what I can hear, our lawyers are going to get back at Langridge and his partner in some new kind of an injunction or a _lis pendis_ or a _whang-doodle_. That may make it look like a white horse of another color."
They talked of football and the legal tangle at some length, and were deep in a discussion about a certain wing-shift play, when tramping footsteps were heard down the corridor.
"Dutch Housenlager or--an elephant," predicted Tom. "He walks as though he had his football shoes on."
"Perhaps he's coming to suggest another trick on the proctor or Pitchfork," suggested Phil, for the latest attempt of Dutch was a standing joke against the fun-loving student.
"Hello, Dutch!" greeted Tom, as the big guard entered. "Anything wrong?"
"Oh, I didn't know, but I thought you looked as if you just met the proctor, who made you sweep and dust his room."
The others joined in the laugh against Dutch.
"Oh, can you fellows ever forget anything?" he asked, in accents of deep disgust, as he looked about for a place to sit down. "Where's the seat of honor, anyhow?" he demanded. "Am I to sit on the floor?"