“Dan seems to be a quiet fellow,” said Mr. Borden as he and Walter halted on the bridge and looked down into the swiftly flowing water. “He is,” exclaimed Walter eagerly. “There isn’t a bit of brag in his whole make-up. Everybody likes him. And he has hardly been out of sight of Rodman in all his life.” “Time enough for that later. Why do you want him to go to the Tait School? Why not let him go on and do as he is planning?” “Go to the normal school?” “Yes.” “I’d like to have him with me.” “How many did he strike out?” asked Mr. Borden quizzically. “Fifteen.” “And you think he’d do that for the Tait School nine?” “I’d like him to have a chance to show what he can do.” “Walter, if Dan hadn’t struck out fifteen yesterday would you have wanted him to enter the Tait School this year?” “I don’t know,” replied Walter in some confusion. “Of course, I’d like our nine to have him. But his pitching isn’t all there is to Dan. He’s――――” “I can understand that,” broke in Mr. Borden. “Come, Walter, we mustn’t keep your grandmother’s dinner waiting.” As they at once started toward the farmhouse Walter was eager to ask his father what his decision was, but as Mr. Borden walked thoughtfully along the roadside his boy looked at him keenly and decided to wait before he made any further inquiries. Indeed, Mr. Borden did not again refer to the matter until just before his departure for the city. He had been away from the farmhouse twice, but he had gone by himself each time, and did not refer to what he had been doing. “Walter,” Mr. Borden said as he was preparing for his departure, “I have decided to let you tell Dan that he can go to the Tait School this coming year.” “Great!” shouted Walter in his delight. “I was sure you would do it when you found out what kind of a fellow Dan is.” “I have talked with two or three who know him well――Mr. Moulton among others. Their reports are all favorable to Dan, but the one thing that more than any other influenced me was what I found he was doing in the work on the farm. Walter, he will room with you.” “Just what I want.” “You know, he has not been accustomed to some things that are a part of your life. He may appear a bit awkward at first――――” “I’ll risk all that!” broke in the boy in his enthusiasm. Mr. Borden smiled and said: “Very well, Walter. There is much that you and Dan can teach each other and I’ve no doubt each of you will try to be a teacher. Whether or not either of you will be a very apt scholar remains to be seen.” “I don’t understand.” “You will a little later.” “It’s good of you to do this for Dan.” “Is it? Your mother says you are the one that is doing it. Don’t forget that, Walter. Good-bye; I’ll see you soon and I shall be interested in hearing about your talk with Dan.”