“I agree with you,” said Dick, thoughtfully. “The advertisement certainly gives a very strong ground for suspicion, and our case isn’t so sure that we can afford to stir up any unpleasant feelings.”
“The main thing is to go carefully and arouse as little opposition as possible,” continued Varrell. “Stick to the plan we laid out if you can.”
The train came roaring and clanking in.
“Don’t let ’em fool you, anyway,” said Curtis, giving a hard grip to the manager’s arm. “Come back victorious or we’ll lynch you.”
“And don’t play your trump card first,” added Varrell.
The meeting was held in Boston. The committee was composed of six members, one from the students, one from the faculty, and one from the alumni, of each school. Hillbury was represented by Professor Loder, Mr. Harkins, a shrewd lawyer, and Captain McGee of the Hillbury track team. For Seaton appeared besides Melvin, Mr. Pope to represent the faculty, and Dr. Brayton, a young Boston surgeon, who, with all the engagements and responsibilities of a busy practice, was still willing to undergo some sacrifice to serve his school. Mr. Pope was made chairman and Professor Loder secretary.
“Our business is to decide concerning the protest made by the Hillbury manager against Dickinson,” said the chairman. “I will read the protest and then ask Mr. Harkins, who is used to presenting cases in court, to make a statement of the charges.”
“I’m used to appearing as attorney, not as judge,” returned the lawyer, smiling. “Here we are acting in a judicial capacity.”
Dick studied the lawyer’s face as the protest was read, and came speedily to the conclusion that he should like Mr. Harkins less as judge than as attorney. The face was mobile and intelligent, yet something in its lines suggested unscrupulousness. Dick had but little time in which to gain this impression, for Mr. Harkins’s words, rather than his face, now received his whole attention.
“The charge, briefly stated, is that Dickinson has been associated with professional runners in an open race, contrary to the most fundamental rule of amateur athletics.”