Page:Dave Porter at Oak Hall.djvu/183

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been validated.

CHAPTER XIX


A GAME OF FOOTBALL


For a week following the feast matters moved along quietly at Oak Hall. Once Dave encountered Gus Plum, and a few sharp words passed, but that was all. It was the calm before the storm.

During that week Dave did his best with his studies, resolved that good times should not interfere with his average.

"I've got to come out at the top, or pretty close to it," he told himself. "If I do not, it won't be fair to Mr. Wadsworth. He sent me here to study, not to play."

As autumn came on many of the students of the academy turned their attention to football, and several teams were organized and a number of matches were played. Roger was the captain of one of the teams and he urged Dave to take part.

"You've got to learn all about football," said the senator's son. "Even if you don't play you want to know what is being done."

"Baseball is the game I love," answered Dave. Nevertheless he took up football, and it was not

165