“Which means that I am an ass!” he retorted. “Are you overtrained, Merriwell?”
“Well, I think I’ve been pushed over the mark a trifle.”
“Very well, sir; I’ll give you a chance to recuperate. There are plenty of good men who are not overtrained, and we shall not need you any more this season! You are retired from the team!”
This came like a thunderbolt from a clear sky. Frank Merriwell dropped from the eleven! Those present, with the exception of Frank himself, seemed turned to stone by the astonishing words. Frank lifted his eyebrows a bit, as if somewhat surprised, and then he said:
“Very well, sir. You are the manager of the team.”
“Perhaps,” said Lorrimer, “this will teach you not to talk so much!”
Birch did not say a word, but turned and walked away with the manager. Bink Stubbs dropped limply into the arms of the fellow nearest him.
“My heart!” he gasped. “I don’t think it will stand the strain! Merriwell dropped from the eleven! Wow!”
Then there was excitement. They crowded about Frank, expressing themselves freely.
“It’s a shame!”