"Well, this lets me out," soliloquized the promoter of the flying meet. "I'll write this up, describe the disagreement in detail, and hand it in for Monday's paper. Great thought," he added aloud, "more credit for yours truly. We play them both ways and the middle, there's no chance to lose." Just then Frank and Jimmy came in. The game had not been one to enliven their spirits. They were caustic in their remarks to the Codfish. "You are certainly a bum flying meet promoter," said Frank. "With two such stories as you have pulled off in our conservative little _News_, you might as well die." "On the contrary, I've just begun a little story," as indeed he had, "which will explain the matter satisfactorily. Fliers are said to be uncertain birds anyway, and I guess they are. This story," he added, "will put me straight with the editors and the editors straight with the college. No harm done at all. Exhibition arranged, all in good faith, some aviator has the pip, no flight, telegram explains, I explain, more news at every turn, and there you are." "Yes, and there you are," said Turner scowling. "Your roommates get the blame for not letting you be locked up, as you should be." "O, I didn't see you scoring any touchdowns to-day. Come in," he yelled as a knock came on the door. A young Freshman heeler entered with a note which he handed to the promoter of the flying exhibition. "From the _News_," he added and went out. The Codfish took the letter and tore off the end of the envelope. "Big assignment I imagine, expected as much, they're beginning to see I'm onto my job." But as the Codfish read, a change came over his face. He went through the short note once and then again, while his roommates watched him curiously. "Well, what is it, an assignment, eh?" said Frank. "Something big?" "An assignment, yes," returned the Codfish weakly, "an assignment to quit. What do you think of this?" and he read aloud: "G. W. Gleason, Pierson Hall. Dear Sir:-- It is the unanimous opinion of the Board that you had better confine your activities to some other field of endeavor than the _News_. An imagination like yours is wasted on the ordinary business of publishing a college paper. We do not deal entirely in fiction. We respectfully suggest that you try the _Courant_, which will more nearly suit your peculiar type of genius. Very truly yours, JOHN P. MURRAY, Chairman." "Fired, by gosh," said the Codfish. "Fired it is," said Turner. "I knew your zeal would carry you over the falls." "Well, I had a good time going, anyway." "O, I say," said Frank, "what did they give you at City Court this morning?" "Five dollars and costs, not much for the experience. It was worth all the trouble. Experience is what I live for." "You funny duffer," said Frank, laughing. "Now pay up," and the Codfish did. "Well, there's one thing I still have left, my crew job. They can't shake me there." CHAPTER V.