There was an instant shout of agreement. Chip held up his hand.
“Hold on, everybody! I think that Billy Mac ought to be your captain. I’m an outsider, and I’m only butting in here, anyhow——”
“Not on your life!” yelled Billy.
“Yeh! You’re it, Merriwell!” chirped Chub Newton. “I’l-l-l bank on you every time! L-l-let’s make it unanimous, fel-l-lows!”
Merry’s protests were voted down amid wild enthusiasm, and he was elected captain of the pick-ups. Spaulding suggested that they call themselves the Carsonville Clippings.
“That’s it!” cried Chub. “The Cl-l-lippers and the Cl-l-lippings—wow! Won’t Bul-l-ly Carson be mad, though!”
The name was adopted with a yell of delight. The meeting was just breaking up when there was a ring at the doorbell, and Billy returned with a telegram for Chip.
“It’s from Clancy,” cried Merry, tearing open the envelope. “Hello! Listen to this, fellows!”
And, holding up the message, he read as follows:
Coming on the jump. Ankle fine. Bringing your uniform and some balls. Arrive to-morrow noon via Hornet.