“That fellow will leave to-night if he knows what is good for him!” said Ned angrily. “He’s the worst I ever saw. Did he hurt your pitching arm any more?” he added, turning to Dan as he spoke. “I don’t know. I can’t just tell,” replied Dan. “Do you think you can pitch next week?” “I guess so.” “We’ll be in a hole if you can’t. Come on. We’ll go over and get the doctor started on it right away.” “Hold on a minute, fellows,” said Walter. “I’ve got something I want to say to you.” “Say it and be quick about it,” replied Ned brusquely. “I want to tell you all that I’ve been a chump.” “That’s right, Walter, you certainly have,” said Hodge brutally. “I know it a good deal better than you do,” continued Walter, his face betraying his deep feeling. “There isn’t any use in my saying I’m sorry. I don’t see how I could have done it. If you fellows want to put somebody in my place at short, I’ll agree to it. I’ll agree to anything that you may suggest. From now on, I want to be fair.” “Don’t say any more, Walter,” interrupted Dan. “Let him say it,” protested Ned. “It’ll do him good. When a fellow has let himself be made a fool of by such a chap as Gus Kiggins, he can’t do any more――――” “That’s right. He’s said enough. We all understand.” “Do you call it off, Dan?” demanded Hodge. “I most certainly do.” “Well, if you are agreed, I don’t think there’s much for the rest of us to say.” “Come on, Ned,” suggested Dan uneasily. “I thought you wanted me to go over to the doctor’s with you and get something for my arm.” “I do,” said Ned, rising promptly. “We’ll settle this later,” he added, as he faced the boys. “It’s all settled now,” said Dan quietly. “Everybody makes mistakes. I didn’t know what a butter-plate was for when I came.” Walter’s face flushed at Dan’s words and his roommate hastily added, “Will you look after Carlton till I come back?” “I don’t want anybody to look after me,” spoke up Carlton sturdily, “I’m all right.” “Good for you, kid!” laughed Hodge. “We’ll make a man of you yet.” “I’ll look after him, Dan, or do anything you want,” said Walter humbly. “Don’t be too good, Walter,” laughed Ned, who was as rejoiced as his companions over what had been said. “There’s such a thing as being too good to be true, you know. Come on, Dan!” When the two boys returned from the doctor’s office, both were astounded by the report of the doings of Gus Kiggins――a report which Walter and Carlton were waiting to give them. CHAPTER XXXI THE FINAL GAME “What do you think!” exclaimed Walter excitedly, “Gus Kiggins has left!” “Left?” demanded Hodge. “What do you mean? Has he left school?” “Yes. That’s exactly what he has done. Packed up bag and baggage and left town on the evening train.” “Without a word?” asked Hodge, unable to conceal his surprise. “Yes, sir; he’s gone for good.” “How do you know?”