The Spirit of the School

ext evening at a little before eight, and he and H

n,” as he put it to himself, and given plainly to understand that were he not vouched for by Phin he would be quite unwelcome. But Hansel had the tact to take no notice of such attitudes, did more listening than talking, was modest on the subject of his football prowess and so, in every case, created a good opinion, and[112] was directly or i

etter drop in in the evenings as a rule; in t

swiping!” gr

lf. It’s diplomacy, that’s what it is. Now you put that list where no on

nd Phin smiled a

d, by the way, have you ever tried debating? No? Well, you’d better begin. I’ll put you

1

y. There was a very pleasant half hour of talk after that, and when Harry and Phin had tak

p of unsympathetic fellows at the back of the hall—he stated the business in hand and called for nominations. And he got[114] them. Every famous man from Adam to the President of the United States was placed in nomination, and it was not until Field threatened to adjourn the meeting, and Harry had begged the audience to “cut it out,” that order was sufficiently restored to allow of serious business. The names of three candidates were then proposed. One of the number arose precipitately and aroused merriment by indignantly refusing to run. Then Bert proposed the name of Phin Dorr, and there was a burst of applause. The remaining candidates begged to be allowed to

ard work and how little glory goes with the office. You couldn’t

“But aren’t you p

“This means that I’ll have to change

e State Agricultural School descended upon Bevan Hills, and for thirty minutes of actual playing time kept every Beechcroft student’s heart in his mouth. But in the end the visitors were forced to return home without scoring, while the[116] academy team had five points to its credit. Hansel made numerous calls on his new acquaintances and rapidly enl

t be suitably dressed. In short, sweaters as features of class-room attire were prohibited. That is why when on

me in the morning to dress properly. This is a French recitation; not a football game. I shall have to insist that you go to your room and[11

have thrown down the gauge of battle, and many other things would not have happened. But Harry didn’t like the thought of the ridicule which would probably follow the incident and told himself that “Bobby was too blam

an expression of blissful unconsciousness on his features. The white sweater was gone. In place of his former attire was an immaculate suit of evening dress. Patent-leather pumps clad his feet, the tails of his coat waved jauntily, a white vest framed a dazzling expanse of shirt bosom, from which two pearl studs peeped coyly forth, his collar and white lawn tie were in quite the best of taste, his hands were chastely hid by pearl-colored gloves, and his hair was sleek and shining. He took his se

attire was an immaculate

est, but I am glad that you appreciate my point of view. Allow me to compliment you on

tation there were occasional choking sounds as some member of th

hands of Dr. Gordon suffering with a nice attack of grippe. And that is why when, the following evening, the mass meeting was called to order, the duty of stating the purp

1

said, why, with the support of the school to count on, the team should not win this year from Fairview. As for the game with Warren, they would do their best to win that also, second in importance as it was to the final contest, but it was possible that they wou

dulgence of the audience for his inexperience. The audience was becoming waked up by that time—there[121] is nothing like cheering to start the enthusiasm—and there were cries of “You’re all right, Phin!” “Speak out, Phin!” “Don’t be coy!” Hansel, sitting with other m

ft a small balance on the right side. This balance has, however, been already expended and the management has been obliged to go somewhat into debt. I am informed that a larger sum wil

k the sheet of paper from his pocket and spread it open. The report wasn’t especially exciting; so much for football paraphernalia; so much for maintenance of

y cents has gone for footballs, repairs on the tackling machin

rt was on his feet

ton!” said

ad and do it. There are quite a number of us who have other engagements this evening and want to get away. Besides, it has not been the custom heretofor

1

t on finishing the r

t care to listen to it,” a

led a voice from th

” answered t

right to hear how it has been spent. I don’t think it’s a question of doubting anyo

licited quite a

ject, Mr. Middle

of it; “if anyone wants to hear the

had subsided, Ph

ho for the last few moments had been aware of something in Phin’s manner and expression that was unusual, looked up in time to catch a quick, meaning glance from the speaker. For an instant he was puzzled; Ph

y ‘team expenses,’” he said. “All exp

ou fool!” h

uestion,” began Ph

eaping to his feet and vi

eed be answered,” said Field.

cried a voice from

e do!” sai

apped f

1

inished I think it

of The Record, the school monthly, “Mr. Chairman, I move you that the

otion!” said

ily, “that Mr. Dorr explain the meaning. Th

loud choru

y minded

g shout of dissent

have it,” said Fie

Chair

—er—

a standing vo

stuff!” These cries from the seat of

een of interest, was apparently unconcerned. Hansel wondered whether he understood what was coming. Then

nounced shortly, “that the assis

ept his place at the front of the stag

cular case,” he explained dryly, “to mean the fal

minority, who knew who the member of the team was craned their heads for a sight of the untroubled countenance of the star hal

ask whether it was understood that the money collected for the team

dly applauded. Fiel

ave it publicly known that we pay a player’s expenses in order to strengthen our team. But we did it last year, and if the collection

ecognition and got it f

nothing about it. And I dare say there are a good many others wh

h, cut it out

don’t think we should be called on to give money for su

t uproar. A dozen fellows were on their feet, clamorin

ood man and we need him; and he’s cheap at the price. It seems to me that one hundred and fifty dollars is a small price to pa

ng struggled for Field’s eye, but the latter refused to see him. Finally he subsid

unless it is well supported. It needs both money and the hearty co?peration of every fellow in the school. But to-night it is money we are looking for. We ought to have about six hu

om present indications they had won the first engagement. When the slip was handed to him he found himself in a quandary. Every fellow was expected to give as much as he could afford. Hansel felt that he could afford five dollars, since so far his incidental expenses had been very[130] light, but if he did so, he would be defeating in a measure his own end, which was to drive Cameron off the team. If sufficient money was not pledged to-night, or secure

een secured, “that the total amount of the pledges is

nd excited voices, indignant, laughing, triumphant as the case might be. The meeting came to an abrup

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