
The story opens in the sweltering attic study of a New England college, where a group of friends—Ted, the sarcastic senior, Nick, the laid‑back dreamer, and Bert, the reluctant host—debate the comforts of campus life while the heat of summer threatens to melt their patience. Their banter quickly gives way to the buzz of upcoming football practice, hinting at the fierce rivalries and personal ambitions that will drive them through the season. As the boys settle into their roles on the team, the narrative captures the awkward mix of youthful confidence and nervous uncertainty that defines any first foray into competitive sport.
Through vivid dialogue and witty observations, the novel paints a lively portrait of early‑20th‑century school culture, from cramped dorm rooms to the camaraderie forged on the field. Readers will recognize the timeless themes of friendship, loyalty, and the quest for identity, all set against the backdrop of a game that means more than just a win. The first act sets the stage for a memorable coming‑of‑age tale, promising humor, heart, and the inevitable clash of rival teams.
Language
en
Duration
~6 hours (386K characters)
Series
The Grafton series
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Original publisher
United States: D. Appleton and Company, 1916.
Credits
Donald Cummings and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net
Release date
2022-04-10
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1870–1944
Best known for lively school and college stories, this prolific American writer helped shape early 20th-century boys’ fiction with tales of sports, friendship, and campus life. He also wrote under the name Oliver Horn and left behind a large body of popular juvenile novels.
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