From in front of the house had risen a sudden burst of cheering. Coach Trayne went to the window and flung it open. Instantly a renewed shout went up. “Merry for captain! Whoop-ee!” A crowd of students was gathered before the windows. They had been hastily marshaled by Chester and others of Merry’s adherents, and more were assembling at every moment. On the edge of the crowd, hidden by the darkness, stood Bob Randall. He was flushed and angry, but he knew better than to give way to his inclinations before this gathering. “Vot’s der matter mit Randall?” shouted the voice of Villum Kess. A chorus of groans answered, mingled with jeers and catcalls. The dark-haired lad in the shadow clenched his fists and muttered wrathfully, but he kept himself under control. A roar went up. “Chip Merriwell! We want Chip for captain!” Coach Trayne slammed down the window and turned to Crockett with a smile. “Hardly representative of the team, Ted, but they show the trend of public sentiment. But if Merry wins Monday’s game, and is elected, what about Randall?” “That’s what I was thinking,” said Crockett uneasily. “He’s a splendid chap, except for his hot, Southern temper, Mr. Trayne. He really believes that he’s as good as Chip on the mound, and I must say that he’s the best we have after Merry himself.” “I understand you,” nodded the coach. “I think he’s a bit jealous of Merry, and it’s quite certain that he is anxious to be elected himself. However, he’s a bit too quick to pick up grievances. I’d be afraid of him as captain. You understand, old chap, that I’m not trying to dictate?” “Of course, sir,” smiled the captain. “You’re dead right, just the same. He has the clear-headed ability to serve as captain, but he’s apt to lose it all in a quick flash of temper. A captain has to be a pretty cool sort--I guess the only qualification I had for the job was my coolness. By the way, have you heard from Chip whether Billy Mac will return or not?” “No word yet,” and the coach shook his head. “Things look bad, Crockett. With Billy gone, Clancy will have to catch Merry on Monday. Who’ll go to first in his place I haven’t decided yet. After you go, the team will be badly disrupted, I’m afraid. When Merry goes--well may----” And he flung up his hands in hopeless despair. Ted Crockett stared gloomily at the window, and listened to a new burst of cheers that came from the campus. As if in answer to these, there came a knock on the door. Coach Trayne answered it, and uttered a cry of satisfaction as he received a yellow envelope. “A wire, Crockett! Let’s hope it’s from Chip.” It was not from Merry, however, but from Owen Clancy. “Read that, Ted!” cried Trayne, and handed the message to Crockett. It was brief and very much to the point: Chip won great game in Carsonville. Billy McQuade returning to Fardale with us. On deck bright and early Monday morning.