"That may be. I'm only talking from a money standpoint. We're in debt ten dollars. Not that I mind, for I don't need the money, but I thought Kerr ought to know. I can't advance any more, and the team can't go to Richfield without cash for railroad fare." "That's right," agreed Tom, scratching his head. "Well, the only thing to do is to call a meeting and ask for subscriptions. The fellows will easily make up the deficit, and give enough over to provide for traveling expenses. Dutch can use his old glove for a few games yet, and we ought to get enough out of this Richfield game to put us on our feet. After that we have a number of contests that will draw big crowds. Then comes the final whack at Boxer Hall, and that is always a money-maker. We'll come out right yet, Ed. Don't worry." "I'm not, only it looks as if I hadn't managed things right." "Nonsense! Of course you have. The fellows will go down in their pockets. I'll call a meeting for this afternoon." CHAPTER XXIV PITCHFORK'S TALL HAT There was a buzz of excitement among the college students when the notice had been read, calling for a meeting of the athletic committee, to straighten out a financial tangle. There were various comments, and, though some remarked that it was "always that way," and that a "few fellows had to be depended on for the money," and like sentiments, the majority of opinion was that the sum needed would quickly be subscribed. "Why don't they make the ball nine a stock concern?" asked Mort Eddington, whose father was an "operator" in Wall street. "If they sold stock, lots of fellows would be glad to buy." "Yes, considering that the nine has made a barrel of money every year, it would be a paying proposition," added Holly Cross. "But we don't do business that way, Eddington, as you'll learn when you've been here more than one term. What money we have left over at the end of the season goes to help some college club, or a team that hasn't done so well. We're not stock jobbers in Randall." "That's all right. Maybe you'll be glad of some money you could have from selling stock, before you're through," sneered the "operator's" son. "Oh, I guess not," responded Dutch. "The fellows will toe the mark with the rocks all right." "My uncle says it's all in how a team is managed," began a voice, and Ford Fenton strolled up. "My uncle says----" "Get out of here, you shrimp!" cried Holly Cross, making a rush at Ford. "If your uncle heard you, he'd take you out of this college for disgracing him." "That's right," agreed Dutch, making a playful attempt to trip up Ford, which the much-uncled youth skillfully avoided. "You're right, just the same," declared Bert Bascome, who came up at that juncture. "The team hasn't been managed right, and I'm going to have something to say about it at the meeting." The session called by Tom to consider financial matters was well attended. Tom, by general consent, was made chairman.