“Come on!” cried the crowd, hustling Pete and the two other lads along. “It’ll be over in a minute and you’ll feel better for it,” consoled one hazer to Cap.
“Do you really think so?” he asked gently.
“Sure,” was the reply, and the youth wondered why the three did not make more of a fuss. He found out a little later.
“Much against our will, we are compelled to initiate you into the mysteries of the Knights of the Frogs,” said the Senator, as the crowd lined up on the bank of a pond not far from the football gridiron.
“Go ahead,” said Cap easily, glancing on either side where his brothers stood. “Is it deep?”
“Only to your waist,” answered the Senator. “Can you swim?” and he was in earnest for he would have stopped the hazing had he found either of the candidates deficient in the watery pastime.
“A little,” admitted Bill. “Oh, please—please don’t throw us in!” he pleaded suddenly.
“No, don’t—I—I have a cold,” added Pete, taking his cue.
“I—I’d a good deal rather have something else, if it’s all the same to you,” put in Cap, pretending to shiver.
“I thought we’d get their goat!” shouted a lad who had been disappointed that the candidates did not show more fear. “All ready now, in with ’em!”