Half of the team, didn’t want to ride, much, but they felt that they had to, or never be seen in those parts again! As each got out, there was the same hearty hand-shake from Hike, and the same thankful affection given Hike by his team-mates. Perhaps it was because they were so surprised and delighted to get back alive, after roaring through the air, bumping on air-currents, and seeing houses look like dice beneath them, that they loved Hike exceedingly when they landed; or perhaps it was because they felt he wanted them to share in his glory, or because they respected him to the limit when they saw how he could run the dragon through the air as though he were riding a bicycle. Perhaps it was all three. By late afternoon, Hike had given short trips to all of the team and subs. that were in sight. It was Football Day in aviation. Practise was called off. But he had to refuse the others—he even took Poodle for only a five-minute spin. However, there was one Sophomore whom he very much wanted to treat, and that was his dear, courteous friend Sea Lion Rogers (sometimes known as “Slimy” Rogers). He had twice noticed Sea Lion, standing on the edge of the crowd, with his usual polite sneer. He whispered to Morrison, “Say Pink Eye, you know how Slimy Rogers has been kidding me? Would you mind getting him to come up and ask me a fool question—let him think you want to have me kidded. Then I’ll give him a happy little ride. Oh, thanks.” Hike managed to look very much surprised when, after giving the last sub. a ride, he found Sea Lion edging up to the machine, and asking, in loud cheerful tones for the crowd to hear, “Oh say, Griffin, can you tell me what the angle of incidence is in this Poling-Tating machine?” “Jump in and I’ll show you, Sea Lion,” said Hike cheerfully. The polished youth drew back, and stammered, “Why, I thought you said you’d only have time to take the team, and Poodle, for a ride. I don’t want to butt in—thanks just the same, but there’s a couple of the team—Taffy, anyway,—that haven’t ridden yet. Much obliged, just the same. I wish I could ride with you.” “Why, I didn’t say nothing about your _riding_, I just wanted you to see how the aviator’s seat was fixed,” said Hike innocently. Sea Lion looked foolish. The crowd began to grin, in sympathy with Hike. They crowded closer, till the machine was like the lion’s cage at the country circus. “But, Sea Lion,” went on Hike, “since you make me think of it, I don’t know but what I will take you for a little spin. You see, there isn’t anybody in the school who’s so much interested in aviation as you are—I can tell that by the number of questions you ask.” The crowd howled, for many of them had heard Sea Lion’s tormenting questions. “Get in, Sea Lion; get in, Slimy; you aren’t scared, are you?” they yelled at him, and lifted him bodily, till he fairly had to get into the cockpit.