“What did you do then?” “I waited till they went away and then I put for your room as fast as my legs could carry me.” “Did you hear anything more?” “That was all they talked about. Gus said if Walter would get Dan out of the pitcher’s box, then he would see to it that he――I mean Walter――was elected captain of the nine for next year.” “They’re a noble pair!” exclaimed Ned in disgust. “You’re sure you haven’t lisped a word of this to anyone?” “Not a soul.” “Then don’t. Don’t let a whisper of it get out.” “I won’t,” promised Carlton. “But you’ll see that nothing happens to Dan, won’t you?” he added eagerly. “Rest your infantile soul on that!” said Ned angrily. “Now, you’d better go. I shouldn’t want Gus to find you here. If he should ever hear that you have told me what you have, what do you suppose would happen to you?” “Gus would――――” The lad stopped with a shudder. “Of course he would,” said Ned sternly. “You mustn’t let a word of this get out――not a word! Do you understand?” “Yes,” replied Carlton; “but I don’t want anything to happen to Dan――――” “Didn’t I tell you there wouldn’t?” broke in Ned. “Yes; but I’m afraid. My! if Dan couldn’t pitch to-morrow and the Military Academy should beat us――――” “Go home and lock yourself in your room, for fear you’ll let out something about this! I’ll look after it. Don’t you be afraid! If you’ve told me the truth――――” “I’ve told you just what I heard Gus say,” broke in the little fellow. “That’s all right, Carlton,” said Ned soothingly, as he saw the fear expressed on the face of his small visitor. “I’m glad you came straight to me. I’ll look after it. Now, run along like a good little boy.” “I’m going,” said Carlton, turning toward the door. Then facing Ned, he said tremblingly, “If Gus should find out that I’d told you――――” “He won’t!” “But if he should?” “Don’t be scared. We’ll attend to Gus at the proper time.” “Maybe it won’t be till after he has killed me.” “Don’t you give up the ghost till you have to,” said Ned to his frightened visitor. “Good night, Carlton. Don’t forget to root your prettiest to-morrow when Dan strikes out the heavy hitters of the Military Academy. We may need every voice;” and Ned immediately sought Dan, whom he found alone in his room. “How are you, Dan?” he inquired as he seated himself in an easy chair and looked keenly at his friend. “Feeling fit for the game to-morrow?” “My pedal extremities are a trifle chilly,” said Dan good-naturedly. “I’ll risk them. That isn’t what I’m afraid of.” “What has frightened you? The nine of the Military Academy?” “No.” “What then?” “I’m afraid for you, Dan.” “Afraid of me? Well, I don’t know that I blame you. I’m almost afraid myself――――” “I didn’t say I was afraid of you, Dan. I said I was afraid for you.” “What do you mean?” “I’ve just heard of the dirtiest trick ever conceived by mortal man.” “What is it?” inquired Dan quietly, as he looked steadily into Ned’s face.