There was silence between the two for several seconds. Then Gerhart asked: "Do you think he wants me to apologize?" "Would you?" asked his chum, and he looked sharply at him. "Well, I'm not a fool. If he's as good as you say he is, there's no use in me having my face smashed just for fun. I think he gave me away, and nothing he can say will change it. Only I don't mind saying to him that I was mistaken." "I think you're sensible there," was Langridge's comment. "It would be a one-sided fight. Shall I tell him you apologize?" "Have you got to make it as bald as that? Can't you say I was mistaken?" "I don't know. I'll try. Clinton is one of those fellows who don't believe in half-measures. You leave it to me. I'll fix it up. I don't want to see you knocked out so early in the term. Besides--well, never mind now." "What is it?" asked Gerhart quickly. "Well, I was going to say we'd get square on him some other way." "That's what we will!" came eagerly from the deposed quarter-back. "I counted on playing football this term, and he's to blame if I can't." "I wouldn't be so sure about that," came from Langridge. "I never knew Clinton to lie. Maybe what he says is true." "I don't believe it. I think he informed on me, and I always will. Do you think there's a chance for me to get back?" "No. Lighton is too strict. It's all up with you." "Then I'll have my revenge on Phil Clinton, that's all." "And I'll help you," added Langridge eagerly. "I haven't any use for him and his crowd. He pushed me down stairs the other day, and I owe him one for that. We'll work together against him. What do you say?" "It's a go!" and they shook hands over the mean bargain. "Then you'll fix it up with him?" asked Gerhart after a pause. "Yes, leave it to me." So that is how it was, that, a couple of hours later, Tom and Phil received a call from Langridge. He seemed quite at his ease, in spite of the feeling that existed between himself and the two chums. "I suppose you know what I've come for," he said easily. "We can guess," spoke Tom. "Take a seat," and he motioned to the old sofa. "No, thanks--not on that. It looks as if it would collapse. I don't see why you fellows have such beastly furniture. It's frowsy." "We value it for the associations," said Phil simply. "If you don't like it----" "Oh, it's all right, if you care for it. Every one to his notion, as the poet says. But I came on my friend Gerhart's account. He says he was mistaken about you, Clinton." "Does that mean he apologizes?" asked Phil stiffly. "Of course, you old fire-eater," said Langridge, lighting a cigarette. "Is it satisfactory?" "Yes; but tell him to be more careful in the future." "Oh, I guess he will be. He's heard of your reputation," and Langridge blew a ring of smoke toward the ceiling. "I'll take him on, if he thinks Phil is too much for him," said Tom with a laugh.