“He told me he was deeply interested in seeing you both do well in your studies, that he recognized the damage that a five weeks’ suspension would do you, and was most willing to decrease the time. He said, however, that he felt that it was only just, when the faculty showed its interest in your success by remitting a large part of this penalty, that you should show your appreciation of this by making some concession on your part. The concession he asked was that you should give up baseball, which he believed was doing your studies almost as much harm as the suspension. I removed this impression from his mind, or at least, finished doing so, for Professor Fuller had already done most of it, and Dr. Drayton is quite ready to take you back, and treat you well. His annoyance has entirely passed away. I gave him a frank idea of a parent’s view of college sports indulged in in moderation, and I think I have partially altered his opinions in the matter.” “Well,” I said, “if Dr. Drayton had presented the question to us in the way you mention it would have been different.” “And yet,” remarked Ray, “it is better as it is, for now we are readmitted without any condition.” “It is all over now, and you certainly have come out of it pretty well, all things considered,” said Mr. Wendell, “and my mind is immensely relieved. I am especially pleased to know that you have kept up your studies. Dr. Drayton spoke of that with considerable commendation. I hope you have lost no ground.” “None at all, I think,” answered Ray. “I am sure we are well abreast of our class.” “So am I,” broke in Tony. “Having the advantage of lectures and recitations, I used to ask Harry questions and try to coach him, but I soon found that he knew more about the subjects than I did, so I left him alone, in order to keep my own self respect.” Mr. Wendell was looking at his watch. “How far is it to the depot?” he asked. “About ten minutes’ walk,” answered Ray. “But surely you are not going home so soon?” “Yes,” said his father, “I must be in Boston early to-morrow morning, so I must leave here on the 10:30 train. As my valise is at the hotel I had better start now.” All three of us accompanied Mr. Wendell, who kept up a stream of questions about our plans and purposes. “The last time I saw you three, you were busy with baseball practice out on our lawn at Cedar Hill. You must come out again, and stay longer. I always like to have plenty of live stock on the place,” he said jokingly. “Nothing would please us better,” I answered. “We shall never forget the delightful week we spent at Cedar Hill.” “How is your baseball nine?” he asked. “Very good,” answered Ray. “We have seldom had a better nine.” “Going to win the championship?” “I hope so,” said Ray. “We stand a good chance.” “Well, the boys ought to win, if for no other reason than to show their gratitude for your devotion to their interest,” said Mr. Wendell. “When does your season open?”