On the other hand, Fred's chums held aloof from him.
"I'd like to know who seconded that motion," snarled Buttons.
"And I," chorused Shorty. "We'd make him go some, eh?"
Fortunately for Bronson's piece of mind, he was out of earshot of these threatening words, or he might have betrayed himself.
By this time, all the boys had gone upstairs, leaving Sandow, Hal Church and Fred alone.
Going to the boy, the leader of the Firsts put his arm around Fred's shoulder.
"Won't you really try for the team?" he asked. "The Second will never have a good show against Landon."
"You know I'd like to, Sandow, but I can't," replied Fred, a catch in his voice.
"You know the game, so you won't need much practice," urged Hal.
"More than I can give, though. I'll need every spare minute for science."