“All the same, the sports who are looking for bets seem confident that New Era will make Fardale look like thirty cents.”
“But you say you’re broke. How are you going to——”
“I’ve raised money on everything I could hook. I’ve borrowed some. I want to borrow ten of you, Hal. You know I’ll pay if I lose, but I won’t lose. Will you let me have a sawbuck? It’s my chance to get even, and I’m going to make the best of it.”
“Why, yes, I think I can squeeze out a tenner,” said Darrell.
“But you will be in up to your eyes if we happen by any chance to drop this game.”
“If Fardale loses, I’ll have to make a clean breast to mother and get her to put me on Easy Street again. But Fardale’s not going to lose. That’s one thing I’m sure of. And I want every man in the best possible condition. That’s why I’m working so hard on the fellows who will let me polish them up. See?”
Hal saw, but still it seemed strange that Chester Arlington, proud, haughty, independent, should do what he was doing.
The following day was Friday. After practise Arlington again stripped in the gym and gave his attention to those who would have him.
There was more or less football talk, and the boys gradually dressed and wandered out. A few were left when a little incident occurred that must be recorded.
Again Arlington was working over Bradley. Sweating, he paused to pull out his handkerchief and wipe off his face. As he removed the handkerchief from his pocket a knife dropped to the floor. He picked it up and then paused, staring at it.