At the discovery, the Baxter students and grads were furious, and in no gentle manner they told Bart what they thought.
But he quoted Fred's own statement, that he had sprained a ligament, in his defense, declaring that under the circumstances it would be foolhardy to start him in the game rather than hold him in reserve. And as the captain's word is absolute, the protestants were forced to be content, though many secretly hoped that Buttons would be laid out at an early stage of the game.
But had the grads prevailed upon Bart, they would have found another obstacle.
When Buttons and Sandow went to Fred's house during the forenoon to commiserate him, he was not there.
Early that morning he had been called to the long-distance telephone, in the village central.
Wondering who could wish to talk with him, he was amazed to hear his father's voice.
"Mr. Bronson will arrive in Baxter at ten this morning," Mr. Markham said. "You are to get a buggy from the livery stable and meet him. He will tell you what he wants you to do. I am sorry it is the day of the game, but your being on hand means everything to me, to your mother and to yourself."
"I'll be there, don't worry," replied Fred.
Hastening back to his mother, Fred imparted the news, and then whiled away the morning as best he could until it was time to get the buggy and drive to the train to meet Mr. Bronson.
Quickly jumping into the buggy, the lawyer told Fred to drive fast until he was out of the village, as he desired his presence to remain unknown.