CHAPTER XVIII.
THE INITIALS IN THE HAT.
“Why don’t you finish the year at Fardale, Chip?”
Billy Mac was distinctly worried. So was Owen Clancy.
“I’m sure I don’t know,” returned Frank, with a frown. “Dad only hinted that he and I might go West. Looked as though Uncle Dick was mixed up in it, too, but I couldn’t get him to say anything definite.”
“Looks bad for Fardale if you have to leave,” remarked Clancy. “We’ll lick the spots off Franklin on Monday, anyhow. With Ted Crockett going away, too, the team will be all bust up for sure.”
“I s’pose there’ll be a new captain elected,” said Billy slyly.
“That’s right!” exclaimed Chip.
“I guess there’s only one fellow going to nab that honor, Chip.”
“Who?” inquired Frank. “Randall would be a mighty good man, and I’d like to see him get it——”