Varrell gave him an indignant look. “Of course he said it, and he meant it, too. Do you think I’d fool about a thing like this?”
“How’d you know?”
“Don’t ask that now, you idiot! Just watch the Irishman and see that he doesn’t do anything reckless.”
At Mr. Graham’s suggestion the boys took seats near his desk. The Principal then read aloud two or three letters, reported certain facts which he had himself discovered, repeated the opinion of Mr. Wallace, and then asked Flanahan what he had to say.
“Most of those things are lies,” said the pitcher, fiercely. “I ain’t a professional; if they say so, they lie.”
“There’s a difference of opinion as to what constitutes a professional,” said Mr. Graham, kindly. “We will not argue about the name. The question for us is, whether you satisfy our standard. If you have ever received money for playing, whether the sum was large or small, we cannot allow you to play on our teams.”
“I tell you it’s just an attempt to blacken my reputation as an amateur,” screamed Flanahan. “I don’t care whether I play on this measly team or not, but whoever says I’m not an amateur is a liar.”
Mr. Graham rose. “You forget yourself, Flanahan,” he said sternly.
Flanahan choked an instant; then, beside himself with fury, burst forth in a flood of personal invective and threats, aimed directly at the Principal. So unexpected and so unparalleled was the outbreak that most of the audience sat silent and aghast, not knowing what to think or do. There were three, however, to whom a few expressions were warning enough. Melvin and Varrell sprang forward, clutched the irate ball-player by the arms and swung him about, while Sands leaped to their support from the other side. As Flanahan cursed and struggled, Curtis and Wheelock came to their senses and lent assistance. Together they hustled the furious rebel out at the door, like a half-back driven through a hole in the line on a tandem play. A few seconds later Mr. Graham was standing in the empty room conscious of a curious mixture of feelings,—mortification that such a scene should have been possible, but delight in the unhesitating loyalty of the boys.