“Simms did pretty good work last year,” suggested Arthur. “Simms had a record of five goals last season,” replied Dan, “out of about sixteen chances. What we need is a fellow we can depend on. We need better punters than we’ve got, too. Ridge is fair, but if he gets put out of a game it’s up to Wallace or me, and we’re neither of us much good. Payson says he’s going to find some kickers if he has to go over the school with a fine-tooth comb, but I don’t know where he’s going to get them.” “The trouble is,” said Tom, “that you can’t develop good punters and drop-kickers in a season, and those we had all graduated. We’re going to miss Loring like anything. He was a born punter, Alf was.” “He was a born everything in the football line,” said Arthur. “I wish he had his job back again,” sighed Dan. “I’ll tell you who was the dandy kicker,” said Tom, “and that’s Kapenhysen, Dan. Remember how he used to send ’em off?” “I sure do. I wish I could get him back here this fall to take charge of the punters. I believe I’ll write and ask him.” “He couldn’t come, I guess,” said Tom. “He’s on the Yale Varsity this year.” “I know, but he might get away for a week just before the Broadwood game and put the finishing touches on for us. I don’t believe Kap will make the first team this season, Tom; he’s got too many good men to beat.” “Perhaps not. Better ask him, anyhow. By the way, Gerald, I thought you were going to play this fall.” “I thought so, too, but Dan wouldn’t let me.” “He’s still trying to boss you? Kick him in the shins, Gerald. Why won’t he let you?” “Because,” replied Dan, “Mr. Pennimore is on the Cross-Country Team and they need his services more than we do.” “You don’t know, Dan,” laughed Gerald. “I may have the making of a great football player in me.” “Better stick to your trade, though,” said Tom. “How’s the Cross-Country Team coming on?” “Hard at it every afternoon now,” Gerald answered. “We’ve got a dandy string of runners this year, fellows. Broadwood won’t have a look-in.” “Larry Goodyear’s captain, isn’t he?” asked Arthur. “Yes. He wants to get Nordham to come in and make it a three-cornered race this year. I wish she would.” “Won’t she?” asked Dan. “I don’t know yet. They haven’t answered Goodyear’s letter. Say, Arthur, Harry’s doing pretty well. I suppose he told you he finished eighth yesterday?” “He said something like that but I didn’t believe him.” “Who’s Harry?” inquired Tom. “Young Merrow, Arthur’s roommate and fidus,” Dan replied. “Fido would be better,” laughed Gerald. “He’s always at Arthur’s heels. I’ll bet you persuaded him to try for the Cross-Country Team, Arthur, so you could get away from him a minute.” “You guessed it, son. I’m going over to Oxford. Anyone coming my way?” Tom Roeder decided that his path led in that direction and the two boys departed together. After they had gone Dan asked: “Did you mean that about young Merrow, Gerald? I thought he was a bit of a duffer.”