The flush had left Pumper’s face, and he was now quite pale.
“I don’t know what business you have to meddle with baseball affairs, Billings!” he cried hotly. “You’re always spying around to get hold of something you can write up for the papers. You betray Yale’s athletic secrets in order to get a few paltry dollars for your greedy pockets. It’s mighty contemptible business, I think. This coaching idea was suggested by you, and, therefore, I wouldn’t accept it, anyhow.”
“Hold on, Welch,” came quickly from Emery; “you forget yourself. I’m captain of the team. What I say——”
“What you say goes, captain,” interrupted Pumper. “It goes with me as long as I remain on the team; but if you attempt to put that freshman over me as a coach, I’ll get off the team. I beg your pardon for speaking like this, but I was forced into it.”
CHAPTER XXXII.
CUT DOWN.
Dick was crossing the campus.
“Hello, Merry!” cried one of the group near the fence. “They tell me you’re pitching for the varsity now.”
“Not yet, Peterson,” smiled Dick, unruffled.
“Not yet, but soon, I suppose. Toleman says you were out for practice with the varsity team.”
“Note the haughtiness of his manner,” cried another chap. “I suppose the rules will be suspended in order to permit him to pitch.”