For a moment the four cadets--two on one side and two on the other--stared at each other. The face of Dick Hamilton was rather pale, but he held himself well in control. As for Paul, he had one hand on the shoulder of his chum, and had taken an eager step forward to confront Porter. That bully regarded the two friends with a sneer on his face, and the countenance of Weston wore an amused smile. "Well, I thought you were going to say something," half-snarled Porter. "If you are, put some steam on. We're in a hurry." "You made an accusation just now," went on Paul, making a motion to Dick to keep silent. "I did, and I think I can back it up. Why it's plain to everybody how the thing is worked. It's even known as Hamilton's football team, and no wonder he is picked to play on it." "It isn't my team at all!" burst out the young millionaire. "Well, you're paying for the coaches," put in Weston. "That's why they----" "They don't know a thing about it!" cried Paul Drew. "That's what I want to say. From the beginning it was feared that something like this might crop up, and so Dick arranged to hand the money to the athletic committee, of which I happen to be a member. Our committee pays the salaries of the coaches, and also for their board, and the coaches themselves only know that much. They have no more idea that Dick is footing the bills than that an inhabitant of Mars is doing it, and if any one makes a statement to the contrary--well, we have a way of dealing with such persons at Kentfield," and Paul looked significantly at Porter and Weston. "Does that satisfy you?" asked Dick quietly, as Paul paused. "I would have told you the same thing, but perhaps it is just as well to come from a member of the committee. I am only too glad to help out the team by hiring the coaches, but they don't know me from any other player, and I took my chances with all of you. If I had been turned down, as I half expected to be, it would have made no difference." "Wait until you get turned down, and then you'll sing a different tune," remarked Porter bitterly, and Dick realized how he must feel. "I'm sorry," said the young millionaire gently, "and if I had any influence at all you should be on the Varsity, for I think you are a good player." "The coaches don't," and Porter laughed sarcastically. "There's plenty of chance yet," went on Dick. "We are to have another practice game this week, and there may be a turn about in some players." "I have a large sized gold framed picture of 'em naming me," exclaimed Porter with sarcasm. "But I take back what I said about your money getting you on. It did seem so, at first." "Perhaps naturally," agreed Dick. "But your apology is accepted," and he held out his hand. "I hope we can be friends," he concluded. "I guess so," mumbled Porter, with rather a shamed air. "I presume Mr. Weston seconds what his friend says," spoke Paul significantly.