"Brown," he said, slowly, "the boys composing the athletic association were elected to their respective positions by a great majority of the students. A coach was duly appointed and players selected. Do you think it is fair to them that, before the inter-scholastic season has actually started, they should be hampered and discouraged by their own comrades?" "We are working for the good of the school," answered "Crackers," doggedly--"that's our motto." "But your ideas and the actual facts may not agree. You haven't yet told me for what purpose you wish the assembly hall." "We would like to vote, to-morrow, on the question as to which team shall play Rockville Academy. Our fellows are perfectly willing to abide by the decision of the school. That seems to all of us a perfectly fair proposition, professor?" "Have you submitted the matter to the athletic association?" "We asked them to reorganize the team, and met with a curt refusal. We tried to get them to play our club, the 'Hopes'--same thing again, although in the beginning they were quite ready to cross bats with any team." "Perhaps so, Brown. But the circumstances in this case are entirely different. The regular coach usually attends to such matters. You have formed an organization which has no official standing; it is not subject to the rules or direction of the athletic association. In fact, it is directly antagonistic to them." "The reason we ask for the hall is to give the club official standing," returned Brown, easily. "The students are clamoring to have this done." President Hopkins shook his head. "The faculty of the school never interferes with athletic affairs unless for very serious reasons. Those stated are not sufficient to justify me in acceding to your proposal." The president leaned forward. "My attention has been called to the fact that some of the boys have been shouting and carrying on in such a manner as to lead one to suppose that they desired above all things to see the regulars defeated. I heard this from a reliable authority." "I'm afraid the person who told you is not disinterested," said Brown. "We know who he is. Besides, in every cause, there are nearly always some foolish hotheads whose actions can't be controlled." He rose to his feet. "Don't you think you could change your decision, professor? I'm sure the students would appreciate having the use of the room; and this troublesome matter ought to be ended at once." "No, Brown, I cannot." There was no expression of chagrin or disappointment on the chief "outlaw's" face, as he turned away, exclaiming cheerfully: "I thank you very much for the interview, professor." Of course, through the agency of Benny Wilkins and several others, "Crackers'" visit to the principal immediately became known throughout the school. "And Brown got thrown down flat, Mr. Editor of the 'Reflector,'" remarked Benny, addressing Dave Brandon.