"Suit yourself," returned Hal quietly, then, turning to the other boys, he exclaimed: "Whoever else wishes to try for the team, give me his name." When all who desired had signified their intentions, Hal found that thirty candidates had enrolled, and, bidding them be at the grounds at three that afternoon, he adjourned the meeting. The necessity of going to classes immediately, prevented any discussion of Bart's insubordination, but at noon the leaders of the school gathered in consultation. Though they all were agreed that Hal had adopted the only course possible in order to maintain his authority, the fact remained that Bart was a pitcher of great ability, and they had counted upon his work to help defeat the nine from Landon. Every boy who had ever pitched, or whom they thought could be made into a pitcher, was discussed, but the only possibilities who had anything of School Nine calibre were Holcomb and Sandow. Whether or not these two boys could be developed, was a question, and it was a glum set of athletes who went to their homes for dinner. For some reason, Bronson had not attended the meeting, but he had heard about Bart's objection to Fred and final defiance of his captain. "Is Montgomery such a phenomenal pitcher?" he asked, as he walked home with Fred. "He's the best we've had at Baxter in years. Why, last year, even when he was a Third, he held Landon to six hits in the second game. And he can bat, too," declared his rival generously. "Indeed, it was his work more than anything else that made the usual third game unnecessary." "Aren't there any other fellows who can pitch?" inquired Bronson, after a silence of several minutes. "You surely did not rely solely on a Third Former to win from Landon." "No. Jack Hastings pitched the first game, but he has graduated. I guess the only thing for me to do is to tell Hal I have decided not to play. Then Bart will come back and we'll win the championship again this year." "Are you crazy?" demanded his companion. "Even if you did that, Hal could not let Montgomery play after his open defiance." "But it's for the good of Baxter," insisted Fred. His companion made no comment upon this statement, and again they lapsed into silence. "Have the entries for candidates closed?" Bronson suddenly asked. "Why, no. A fellow can come out any time. But what makes you ask?" inquired Fred eagerly. "Just wanted to know," returned Bronson, smiling tantalizingly. "Here we are at the Head's. See you this afternoon." And he turned in at the gate. Wondering what his friend meant by his mysteriousness, Fred continued to his home, where he bolted his dinner, and then returned to school, seeking Hal, whom he drew to one side. "Bronson given in his name for the nine yet?" he inquired excitedly. "No; why?" Briefly Fred related the conversation that had passed between Clothespin and him. "What do you suppose he's driving at?" asked Hal, when the story was finished.