Bert, pulling his hat down over his eyes, went hurriedly past the boys and girls of Gridley, and into the next car.
Bayliss followed with the fidelity and closeness of a little dog.
Now, the next car ahead proved to be the smoking car. Here, at any rate, the despised pair could find safe harborage.
But one of the men of Gridley, who had followed the football team this day, and who had got an inkling of the story of the arrest, removed a cigar from between his lips and pointed an accusing finger at the boys.
"See here, you fellows!" he shouted. "This car is exclusively for men. Can you take a hint?"
"But we've got to sit somewhere," flashed Bert defiantly.
"I don't know as that's necessary, either," retorted the Gridley man. "At least, I don't care if it is. After your dirty little trick, today, we don't want you in here among men. Do we, neighbors?"
There were many mutterings, some cat-calls and at least a score of men rose.
"You let me alone, you fellows!" yelled Bert Dodge, as he made a break for the front end of the car. "Don't any of you dare to get fresh with me!"
By the time he had reached the front end of the car Bert was almost sobbing with anger and shame.