"We're old friends, Somers; and I hope this"--Earl paused. A troubled look shone in his eyes--"this unfortunate muddle won't cause any trouble between us." "It isn't going to." "Well, it must go against the grain to see one of your old chums on the opposition line-up. Honestly, Somers, don't you think"--Earl hesitated again--"that you'd better--well--reconsider this matter? It's a fact, Somers: you're losing supporters every day. The thought of saying good-bye to that field has put such a scrapping spirit into the boys that they're ready to fight to a finish." Bob reflected a moment before answering. "Then you mean that we should yield to popular clamor?" "No, that isn't it. I hope--I hope you won't be offended if I speak plainly." A smile from Bob encouraged the rival captain to continue. "You chaps have been traveling about so much you haven't had a chance to keep in the game like some of the others. I don't say you can't play good ball--mind. When your crowd was practicing, as candidates for the team, you looked good to all of us. But, somehow"--Earl became considerably embarrassed again; his eyes shifted from the frank gaze of his companion--"I suppose I'll have to finish it," he sighed--"you don't seem to be of a quite strong enough caliber to truly represent the school. Now, Bob, it's out; and I guess you feel mighty hot about it?" "Not a bit, Earl. I admire your honesty and candor. I'll agree that things look rather discouraging. Still,"--the captain seemed to weigh his words--"don't you think your very contention that we've not had as much practice as the others is an argument in our favor?" "How?" "Because, in a little time, we'll round into shape. The nine is improving steadily, though some of the fellows are so excited and hasty they can't see it." Roycroft shook his head. "I don't doubt you are sincere in feeling that way, Somers," he said, slowly, "but the boys couldn't be made to think so. Then, again, you've lost your batting eye. Mr. Rupert Barry has kicked enough about that, I'm sure." "I've heard about it," laughed Bob, dryly. "And some of the fellows feel sure--I don't like to say it, Somers--that you're not playing as well as you did a couple of years ago. Tom Clifton, too, though he's done some pretty good work, doesn't seem to have the necessary physical strength." Earl looked searchingly at his companion, expecting each instant to see a gleam of anger in his eye. Bob, however, gave no indication that his feelings were disturbed. "One thing, Roycroft," he said: "you spoke about our traveling around so much we couldn't keep in good trim. This applies only to Dave, Tom and myself. There are six others in every game." "Sometimes one man is enough to lose a contest," answered Roycroft, dryly. "You're right there," grinned Bob. "Aren't you going to listen to my advice, Somers?" "Why, I'm not running things, Earl. I'm only captain of the team."