“Oh! Well, what about handling boys? I never handled any. And what about helping to instruct in athletics?”
“He doesn’t say that you must be used to handling them; only that you must know something about it. You do, don’t you?”
Sam looked blank. “Do I?” he asked.
“Of course you do! Any fellow does who has sense and has been a kid himself.” Tom laughed. “You’re too modest, Sam. Throw out your chest! Aren’t you captain of the Amesville High School Nine? As for instructing in athletics, why, all that means is that you’ll have to play ball with the kids and arrange running and jumping stunts and—— Say, you can swim, can’t you?”
“Yes.” Sam seemed quite decided about that.
“There you are, then! You take the letter and write to Mr. Whatshisname right off.”
“I’d like to,” mused Sam. “I’d like the job.”
“Take it then! I’ll drop the man a note and tell him I’ve got just the fellow for him; baseball captain, all-around athlete, fine swimmer, highly moral, and a wonder at handling boys! How’s that?”
“Pack of lies,” replied Sam, with a smile. “You let me take this letter and I’ll think it over to-night and talk to mother and Nell about it and see you in the morning. If they think it’s all right maybe I’ll try for it. Just the same, I know mighty well he’ll think I’m too young.”