Smythe was sitting in his study hidden behind a book, and his first impression when, having said “Come in,” he peered over the top of his volume to see who came, was that a stray pig was nosing into the room, and he rose with a sweeping gesture intending to drive it out. But as seconds passed he was held spellbound. Behind the snout, which was all he had first seen, and to either side of it, appeared two little pig-like eyes. He also perceived two pouting lips. Finally, when the head came properly into view around the door, Smythe became alarmed.
“Come in!” he commanded angrily. “Come in, man!”
The visitor entered slowly, with short steps, and when he was approximately in the centre of the room he halted.
“I’m Roe,” he observed.
Smythe withstood the shock with the greatest gallantry. All the same, he did not extend his hand in a warm welcome. He just looked.
“I understand,” observed the other, “that I am to be captain of football here, and that you are secretary.”
He had pointed at Smythe accusingly and now he beamed.
Smythe hastened to correct him.
“A few days ago I was,” said he; “but I have just completed my duties, and now I have resigned. So far as I know there is no footer secretary in this school at present.”
“No secretary! But why not?”