“Yes, but it doesn’t seem to me that it would matter much if the team disbanded after awhile, Rob.” “N――no, but I don’t like to leave the fellows in the lurch. Besides, I don’t know what they’d say.” [Illustration: “‘THEN THAT’S SETTLED, EH?’ ASKED HOPKINS BEAMINGLY.”] “They couldn’t say anything,” said Hopkins heartily. “And, look here, we can use two or three or maybe more good men. Of course I couldn’t promise them regular positions on the First, but they’d be certain of getting their letters and I’d put them with the subs and use them whenever I could. In fact, Rob, Prentiss and I had already spoken of two or three of your fellows we could find places for.” “Really? Who are they?” “Well, Chase was one, and Koehler was another, and――I don’t just remember who the other one was.” “There’s Shaler,” Rob suggested. “He’s a mighty good line-smasher. And Kasker’s a good tackle.” “All right. Anyone else?” “No, I guess not.” “Then that’s settled, eh?” asked Hopkins beamingly. “What?” “Why, that you’ll come to us and that the others we spoke of can come if they want to.” Rob dug his hands into his pockets, stretched his legs out from under his chair and grinned across at Hopkins. “No, Hop,” he said, shaking his head, “the only thing that’s settled is that you’re a good deal of a rascal and much more of a fool than I took you for.” He got up. “I might forgive you the first, Hop, but I hate a fool.” “You――you won’t!” gasped the other, surprise and dismay and anger struggling for supremacy. Rob shook his head again, gently and smilingly. “Not likely,” he answered. “When I join your side-show, Hop, the snow will be twelve feet high in the Yard and the weather extraordinarily chilly. And now, I think, I’ll just drop in on Koehler and those others we mentioned. And I wouldn’t be surprised to find Prentiss somewhere around. Good-night, Hop.” CHAPTER XXII THE SCHOOL TAKES A HAND