“Yes?” said Mrs. Borden dubiously. “Well, I shouldn’t let it trouble me, Walter. You were generous, I’m sure. I think it was noble of you and you made me feel very proud. Probably when your father comes up for the week-end he’ll be able to persuade Dan, though it does seem a little strange that one should have to persuade a boy to take what you are giving him.” “You don’t know Dan! He’s the most obstinate and unreasonable boy in seven kingdoms.” “Don’t be discouraged, my boy. Your father will find some way. He always does.” Whether Walter was “discouraged” or not he did not explain, though he did not go near Dan’s home before the end of the week brought the return of Mr. Borden to the old homestead. His first word to his father, when Walter went in the automobile to meet him at the station, was, “Dan won’t do it.” “Won’t he?” inquired Mr. Borden with a smile and not seeming at all surprised. “No, sir. He’s as obstinate as an old mule.” “Perhaps it isn’t quite so bad as that.” “Yes, it is! I never saw such a fellow as Dan is. He doesn’t say much, but when he takes his stand you can’t budge him an inch. I don’t see why he turns down such a chance.” “It may be that he will change his mind. What did you say when you told him of the offer?” “I don’t remember. I didn’t say very much. I just told him what you had said. Probably I didn’t put it strongly enough.” Mr. Borden laughed and said, “Never mind, my boy. I’ll have a little talk with Dan.” “I wish you would, father! I don’t know that it will do any good, but there’s no harm in trying anyway.” “Let me see――how many was it that Dan struck out in the game with the Benson nine?” “You know already,” replied Walter a trifle tartly. “Twenty-six?” “No, sir. Fifteen.” “That’s a good record. Well, I’ll see Dan soon.” Walter’s eagerness and impatience increased when apparently his father forgot or ignored his promise. Not a word concerning his promised interview was said that evening nor on the morning following. It was late Saturday afternoon when Mr. Borden told his boy that he was about to go to Dan’s home and that he wished to go alone. “You’ll need me,” pleaded Walter. “You don’t know Dan as well as I do.” “Not in the same way, is what you mean, Walter.” “I’d like to go.” “I’d be glad to have you, but it will be better for you to stay here. If I have to do more afterward I may call in your help, but I’m sure, my boy, much as you think of Dan you would hinder more than you would help if you were to accompany me this time. I am not without hope that I’ll have a good word for you when I come back. Please tell me once more, Walter, how many Dan struck out in the Benson game.” “You know already.” “So I do. It was fifteen, wasn’t it?” “Yes, sir.” “What is the record?” “For strike-outs?” “Yes.” “There have been quite a good many ‘no hit’ games. I don’t know just what the record for strike-outs is. It might be――――”