there's a good deal of social life going on at the High School,
Mr. Pollock, and I'm very, very glad of this chance to cancel
my obligations so cheaply and at the same time rather handsomely."

So Laura and Belle had each received, that Christmas morning,
a present that proved a source of delight.

"Yet I didn't expect the foolish boys to send me anything like
this," Laura told herself, rather regretfully. "I'm sure they've
pledged their pocket money for weeks on this."

When Belle called, it developed that she had received an identical
gift.

"It's lovely of the boys," Belle admitted. "But it's foolish,
too, for they've had to use their pocket money away ahead, I'm
certain."

Dick and Dave had sent their gifts, as had the girls, in both
names.

Christmas was a day of rejoicing among all of the High School
students except the least-favored ones.

Fred Ripley, however, spent his Christmas day in a way differing
from the enjoyments of any of the others. A new fever of energy
had seized the young man. In his fierce determination to carry
away the star pitchership, especially from Dick Prescott, Ripley
employed even Christmas afternoon by going over to Duxbridge
and taking another lesson in pitching from the great Everett.