“When I accepted the honor of the position I hold――and it is an honor, and I appreciate it――it was with the distinct understanding that I was to have a free hand. So far I have had it. And I intend to have it, with all respect to you, as long as I am in charge. I am doing my best to turn out a team that will win from Springdale High School, and I tell you frankly that I don’t care a button how many lickings we get meanwhile. Springdale has a strong team this year; it looks now as if she would be stronger than last year, when she had no trouble beating us. Some fellows might win all or nearly all of the early games and then win from Springdale with the material we have this Fall. But I tell you candidly that I am afraid to risk it. I am working for just one result and to obtain that result I am going about it in the manner I think best. And I firmly believe that my work should be judged by whether or not I obtain the result I am after. I have no wish to antagonize a single fellow, a single person, in this hall to-night, but I tell you quite frankly that I shall continue to go my own way as long as I am coach, that I shall not resign and that I shall resist to the utmost any attempt to oust me. I thank you for listening so patiently.” There was a moment of silence. Then applause broke out deafeningly. Hand-clapping, shouts, stamping made a pandemonium of the meeting. Sears helplessly banged on the table. Half a dozen fellows claimed recognition. But it was long before Sears could make himself heard. When he at last succeeded it was in recognition of Sprague McCoy. “Mr. Chairman!” shouted McCoy, trying to be heard the length of the assembly hall above the din. “Mr. Chairman, I move you that a vote of confidence be given Coach Lovering, doggone it!” Laughter, shouts of approval, cries of disapprobation followed. Carter, Bingham and half a dozen others sought for recognition. But Sears was strangely blind. Several fellows seconded the motion and Sears rapped and rapped for order. “Are you ready for the question?” “All right!” “Yes, let her go!” “Shoot, Officer!” “All in favor will say Aye!... Contrary.... It is a vote!... Is there ... further business ... meeting?” Sears’ voice was only heard at intervals. “If not ... adjourn ... in order.” “Move we adjourn!” shouted Guy Felker. “Second it!” “Moved and seconded that the meeting now adjourn,” mumbled Sears. “All those....” What followed was lost in the scraping of settees and the jumble of talk and laughter. The indignation meeting was at an end! CHAPTER XVIII MR. GRAYSON IS SURPRISED