But, despite this sound advice, the rich bully refused to obey, glowering at the approaching captain with sullen defiance.
Hal, however, was still master of himself, and when he was within a yard of Bart, he stopped, and looked him straight in the eye.
"I'll give you one more chance," he said with cold deliberation. "Leave the gymnasium immediately and report at three, or you'll not play on my team."
Realizing that the captain was in deadly earnest, Taffy, Lefty and several of the Firsts seized the bully and forced him up the stairs.
Fiercely Bart struggled to get free, but his friends were determined to save him from himself, and continued to carry him along.
Just as he reached the top step, however, the bully made a desperate stand.
"You may think you can dictate to me," he shouted. "But I'll show you, Hal Church, you can't. I won't report at the grounds."
"Suit yourself," returned Hal quietly, then, turning to the other boys, he exclaimed: "Whoever else wishes to try for the team, give me his name."
When all who desired had signified their intentions, Hal found that thirty candidates had enrolled, and, bidding them be at the grounds at three that afternoon, he adjourned the meeting.
The necessity of going to classes immediately, prevented any discussion of Bart's insubordination, but at noon the leaders of the school gathered in consultation.