“He knew enough,” answered Clif. “If I had my way I’d wait a couple of weeks before reporting for practice; cut out the gym stuff; swinging clubs and all that; but they say he doesn’t like you to report late.” “I guess the gym stuff’s good for you,” said Tom. “Loosens up the old muscles, you know. Me, I’ll be there for the whole awful program.” “Thought you said you didn’t know,” Clif chuckled. “Well,” answered Tom with entire composure, “I make up my mind quick. I’ve decided to play since I said that. I’m going to try for second base.” “I shall like that,” remarked Clif. “You’ll be where I can look out for you while I’m pitching. I’d hate to have you in the outfield, Tom. No telling what awful things you’d do.” “But you’re not going to try――” began Loring incredulously. “Him?” jeered Tom. “He couldn’t pitch down Oak Street without breaking a window!” “Exaggerated, Tom, but containing a modicum of truth,” acknowledged Clif. “But let me tell you, old son, that I’ve got as good a show to pitch for Wyndham as you have to play second base!” “Is that so? Well, you just wait and see. Listen――” And while they listen let’s look them over, since for the next four months we are going to see a good deal of them. Clifton Bingham――introductions demand formality――was sixteen years of age――an age which, by the way, was that of the other two occupants of the room, although Tom was close to seventeen and Loring was Clif’s senior by three months. Clif was tall for sixteen――sixteen and a half, to be more exact――and rather slender. You wouldn’t have called him thin, though. He had the appearance of being well-conditioned and looked as though he might be fast; which he was. Good-looking without calling for the word handsome――a word which fellows of his age detest when applied to one of their sex――he owed his attractiveness more to expression than features. The latter were clean-cut but a critical eye could have found fault with them. He looked alert and he had a smile that you would have liked immensely. He had made right end on the school team late in the season. Like the other members of the Triumvirate, he had entered Wyndham last September and was in the third class.