“One’s a snow shovel made of wire netting like an ash sifter. It only weighs twelve ounces and works finely. But no one would buy it. Another’s a top with a slot just above the peg so you can put in a cap. Then when you throw it on the ground the peg comes up against the cap and explodes it.” “I should think that would be a dandy idea.” “Well, one man I tried to sell it to said if I could induce boys to spin tops around the Fourth of July he would buy my patent. You see, folks are so fussy now that you can’t buy paper caps except around the Fourth.” “I see. And what was the other thing?” “That’s the best of the lot,” said Rob, thrusting his hands into his pockets and sprawling his legs across the floor. “I’ve still got hopes of that. It’s a patent match safe to carry in your pocket. It looks just like any other match safe, but when you want a match you don’t have to open it. You just push a little button, and a match pops out. Maybe I’ll sell that yet. It’s a mighty good idea, and there ought to be money in it.” “I should think you’d want to be an inventor instead of an engineer.” “There isn’t much money in inventions, except for the patent lawyer; at least, that’s what Dad says. Besides, engineering is a good deal like inventing. You have problems to solve, and there’s always the chance of discovering a better way to do a thing. Dad says I’ve got a good deal of ingenuity, but that if I don’t look out I’ll never be anything but a potterer.” “A potterer? That’s a funny name for you.” “Yes; he means a chap who just potters around doing a lot of little things that don’t amount to anything. How’s your head?” “Much better. Do you think I’d better unpack my bag, or shall I wait until I’m sure about my room?” “Go ahead and unpack. It’ll be all right. Even if it isn’t, 36 is just across the hall, and I’ll help you carry things over. Trunks ought to be up pretty soon, too. Say, do you go in for anything?” “In for anything?” repeated Evan, doubtfully. “Yes, foot-ball or hockey or track or rowing or――” “I play foot-ball,” answered Evan. “I want to try for the team here. Do you think I’d stand any show, Langton?” “Do I think――” Rob stopped and chuckled. Evan flushed. “What’s the matter? I’ve played a good deal, and I dare say I know as much about it as――as lots of fellows here.” “As I do, you were going to say,” laughed Rob. “I wasn’t laughing at you, Kingsford. I dare say you can play better than a good many fellows on the team, but I don’t think your chances are very bright, and if you ask me why,――well, I can only say because the Riverport Eleven is what Dad would call a close corporation.” “What’s that?” [Illustration: “‘I PLAY FOOT-BALL,’ ANSWERED EVAN. ‘I WANT TO TRY FOR THE TEAM HERE.’”]