“How do you do, sir?” Bert said, shaking hands.
After Mr. Henderson had introduced them all, Bert grinned at Timmy and said, “Gee, I’m sorry I’m not going to be around next year. But I finish up here this term, you know. We have a swell guy for president next year, though. I know you’ll like him.”
Dr. Benson nodded. “Tell me, Bert, what plans you have. We’re kind of interested in what happens to you boys when you finish school here.”
Mr. Henderson put his hand fondly on the young man’s shoulder. “We have great hopes for Bert,” he said.
“Play baseball, huh?” Tommy asked, eyeing him with doubt. “Well, anyhow, we can be friends before our big game.”
Bert laughed. “Well, as a matter of fact, I don’t play any more. I used to play centerfield, and I do love the game. But I also play the violin. I was afraid to take chances on injuring my hands, so I gave up baseball. But I still manage the team.”
“Well, what do you know?” Tommy said. “You play the violin?”
“What a sissy!” Timmy exclaimed.
Bert chuckled. “That’s what a lot of people thought once. A lot of the guys made fun of me till I met them in the boxing ring.”
Mr. Henderson chuckled at the memory. “Bert’s not much of a sissy, Timmy. You’ll have to take his word for it, though. I doubt if he’d challenge you. You’ll have to box fellows your own size.” He shrugged his shoulders. “But tell them about your plans, Bert.”