Bert, who in spite of bright expectations, had viewed the game through from the substitute’s bench, went dejectedly toward the dressing room. Every one was unusually silent. He was careful not to look around lest he encounter Chick’s eyes. He wasn’t ready to look at Chick yet. He wanted to show sympathy when he did look, and just now he was too disgusted and downhearted. Going back to Alton wasn’t as bad as Bert had feared it would be. By common consent the game was avoided as a matter for present conversation. Mr. Cade appeared unaffected by the recent defeat and talked unconcernedly with Coles Wistar much of the way home regarding arrangements for the next trip away, a fortnight distant. After Lorimer had been left well behind the spirits of the fellows lightened and one even heard laughter, although it wasn’t very hearty yet. Chick’s attitude surprised and perplexed Bert. Bert thought that if he had been the one who had fumbled that pass he would be trying to hide under a seat. Chick, however, seemed to have forgotten the incident entirely and was in and out of the conversation about him as cheerfully as any. Perhaps there were others in the bus who considered Chick’s manner unusual, but Bert could see no indication of it. Well, he did surprise Captain Jonas once in a long and contemplative regard of Chick, but Jonas’s countenance conveyed no emotion. Of course there was no use in crying over spilled milk, reflected Bert, and perhaps a fellow was wise not to let misfortune prey on his mind, but, just the same, he felt that Chick was overdoing the composure. Even after they were alone in Number 21 Chick’s nonchalant air continued. Bert was glad that they were obliged to hurry over to supper, for he was beginning to experience intense exasperation and was certain that if he remained alone with Chick very long he would say something offensive. Not a few of the students were still absent from dining hall when Bert followed Chick over to the training table, and the former was eager to credit the lack of hand-clapping to that fact. None of the players got much applause that evening, although Captain Jonas and Lum Patten, entering late, received fair acclaim. Mr. Cade was not in his place at the head of the table and Andy Dozier said he had taken a taxi and hustled over to the Junction to get an early train home. “Wish I could,” sighed Hop Meecham. “We have baked beans and fish-balls at our house Sunday mornings; and flannel cakes and syrup, too, generally.” Hop’s countenance assumed a look of intense longing. “Know what I think?” asked Nip Storer, sinking his voice. “I think Johnny’s got a girl! I was in his room two or three days ago and there’s a whacking big picture of a dame on his mantel that wasn’t there last year. I’ll bet he’s going to get married, fellows!” The theory aroused interest at that end of the long table. “Sure as shooting!” said Ted Ball. “That’s why he’s going to quit, eh?”