Gerald nodded. “I thought he seemed to have the dumps this evening,” he murmured thoughtfully. “Do you know, Arthur, I’m a bit worried about Dan.” Arthur looked a question and Gerald continued: “He isn’t the same chap he was last year. He’s cross about half the time, and nervous as a――a――” “As a hen. Hens are awfully nervous, Gerald.” “Yes, he is. He worries all the time because he’s afraid Broadwood may lick us, and every time a player stubs his toe or skins his knuckles Dan has a fit.” “I know.” Arthur nodded. “What he needs is the rest cure. He ought to take my place for a week.” “I wish he could,” said Gerald. “So do I!” “He said he was coming over here later to see how you were.” “Well, I’ll have to be smiling and happy or he will jump into the river, I suppose,” Arthur growled. “Oh, hang the luck, anyway!” “I’m awfully sorry,” said Gerald sympathetically. “If you want anything while you’re laid up, or if there’s anything I can do――” “Thanks. There isn’t, though. Hello! Come in!” It was Dan who had knocked and who, at Arthur’s invitation, entered. At his heels came Tom Roeder. Dan had a frown on his forehead and looked tired and worried. “Hello!” greeted Arthur cheerfully. “Hello, Tom! What price me?” “It’s a shame, Arthur,” said Dan. “I don’t know what the team is going to do without you, either.” “Going to win,” laughed Arthur. “Don’t let that bother you.” “How are you feeling?” asked Dan anxiously. “Oh, fine! I could get up and walk around, only that brute of a doctor won’t let me.” “You’d better not try it,” said Tom sternly. “What does he say about the knee?” “All right in a week or so.” “It’s my fault for insisting on your coming out for the team,” Dan grieved. “Your fault! Poppycock! That’s nonsense to talk like that,” responded Arthur. “Besides, there’s no harm done. My old knee will be as fit as a fiddle in a few days.” “We’re going to miss you on the team, though,” said Dan mournfully. Arthur laughed. “You’ll never know I’ve gone,” he said. “Now, for the love of mud, Dan, stop looking like a bereaved cow. Cheer up!” “I’ve been trying to get him to cheer up all the evening,” said Tom, “and he hasn’t smiled a single smile yet. Honest, Dan, things aren’t half as bad as you look!” Dan did smile then rather wanly. “I’m tired,” he said. “That’s all that’s the matter with me. Payson says I’ve got to lay off for a day or two, though. I guess I’d better, after the exhibition I put up to-day. Pretty poor, wasn’t it, Tom?” “So-so,” replied Tom untroubledly. “Don’t let it bother you. We all go to pieces now and then. Payson’s right, though, old man, and you do need a bit of a rest. Next Saturday you’ll feel like a fighting cock and play like a house afire!” “Hope so. Well, I told Payson I’d go down and see him for a minute. I’m awfully sorry about this, Arthur. If there’s any sort of thing I can do, let me know, won’t you? Good night. Good night, fellows.”