“Gus,” said Hopkins, “I guess we can dispense with your services as captain after this.” Gus nodded, untroubled. “Hover,” continued Hopkins, “you’re captain from now on.” Hover, the left half, glanced at Gus and then at his feet. “I’d rather not, thanks, Hopkins,” he said. Hopkins stared. “You won’t?” “No, I’d rather not.” Hopkins turned angrily away. “All right. It’s up to you, then, Green.” Green, the right tackle, nodded. He didn’t look as though he was anxious for the honor, but he said nothing. That afternoon the First had little trouble doing as it liked with the Second, but it wasn’t because of any special brilliancy on the part of the First. After supper Gus Devens went over to 24 Holden. Both Hopkins and Prentiss were in. “I don’t believe you have any right to depose me, Hopkins,” said Gus. “I’ve got every right,” answered Hopkins. “I appointed you, didn’t I?” “Yes, but I have an idea that if I take the matter to faculty they’ll decide against you.” “Try it,” challenged Prentiss. “Well, I’d thought of it, but I guess I won’t. Instead of that I’m going to get out.” “Oh!” said Hopkins uneasily. “A good idea,” was Prentiss’ fling. “Perhaps you’ll join the sore-heads.” “Perhaps. Anyway, I’m done with you chaps.” And he turned on his heel and went out, leaving Hopkins looking a trifle blank. “I don’t like that,” said the captain. “Pshaw!” responded Prentiss. “He won’t be missed.” “No, perhaps not, although he is a mighty good player, Ed, and you know that. But suppose he makes a row and gets some of the others to go with him?” Prentiss considered the possibility for a moment in scowling silence. At last: “We’ve got to do something, Hop,” he announced. “Look here, why not see what can be done with Langton? They say he played a wonderful game at half yesterday, and we could use another half on the First.” “I don’t believe he’d come,” said Hopkins. “I’ll bet he will, though. He’s always wanted to make the team. Why, what do you suppose he started these Independents for, you idiot? He thought you’d buy him off, of course!” “I don’t believe so.” “I tell you he did. And there are others on that team we might use. We could promise them places on the First and use them as subs; let them into a game for a minute or two; all they want is their letters. There’s that fellow Chase; and Koehler; and――how about Kingsford?” “Oh, he wouldn’t. He hates me like sin; you too, I guess. He hasn’t forgotten that hazing, I suppose. Never sees me any more. They say he’s got the making of a good quarter, too. I guess we got too funny with him, Ed.” “Well, let him go, then. You see Langton and I’ll talk with the others. And we want to do it right away; to-night isn’t a bit too soon. Come on.” “Well, I’ll see him, but I don’t want to, and I don’t believe it will do any good.”