“Why not, sir?”
“Because I am convinced from various facts which I have learned that he is not a proper person to play on our teams.”
“Do you think that we are hiring him, sir?” said Sands, a flush of indignation burning on his cheeks.
Mr. Graham looked at the student sharply. On the boy’s face was an expression of bitter disappointment and of indignation, but no sign of guilt. “No, I do not,” he replied heartily. “We haven’t fallen so low as that.”
“What is it, then, that you have against him?”
“Simply that he is not considered an amateur above suspicion of taint. I made some inquiries concerning him before my return, and the results were, in my opinion, conclusive.”
“Are you sure about it?”
“Sure as to my opinion, which I may also say is the opinion of Mr. Wallace, who helped me in the investigation. The wisest course for Flanahan would be to withdraw voluntarily from the baseball practice and devote himself to the work for which he says he came here.”
“Is this final?” came through Sands’s quivering lips. “Isn’t he to have a chance to hear the charges and defend himself?”
“Certainly, if he desires it,” replied Mr. Graham, promptly. “You may come, too, and a few others who are especially interested. I want to be fair to you all, but my first duty is to the school.”