“A day or two won’t do any good, Jack,” said Tommy, resolutely. “You don’t know how much I’ve got to learn before I’ll be up with you fellows.”
Sexton paused a moment to consider how best to rally his forces.
“Now, see here, Remington,” he began, “you’re looking at this thing all wrong. Suppose you do fall behind in your studies for a while. The tutors won’t be hard on you, because they know how you’re needed on the team, and you can make it all up again later in the year by a little extra work. There’ll be a dozen of the fellows ready to help you. But if you drop out of the team now, just when the games are coming on, it’s all up with you at Lawrenceville. The only fellow who can possibly play in your place is Banker, and you know how weak he is. It’s Lawrenceville’s honor that’s concerned, old man, and if you quit now, half the fellows in the place will cut you dead.”
“Surely it won’t be so bad as that,” protested Tommy. “You won’t cut me, will you, Jack?”
Sexton’s face grew red.
“No, I won’t cut you,” he said. “But lots of the fellows will. They’ll make it as hard for you as they can.”
Tommy’s lips went together. His fighting spirit was aroused.
“Let them,” he said. “I’ve made up my mind. I can’t see but one thing to do, and I’m going to do it. Tell Blake I’m sorry.”
Sexton’s face grew stern, too, and he got up from his seat.
“Is that final?” he asked. “Remember, Blake won’t send for you a second time. He’s not that kind.”