“Frank isn’t a professional, and never was,” declared Sid Henderson, jumping up and excitedly waving his arms. “I say let’s defy Exter and all the rest.”
“And maybe break up the meet?” asked Dan.
“Fellows, let me speak once more,” begged Frank. “I have thought this matter over carefully in the last few minutes, and, while I don’t retreat one point from my position, perhaps a compromise would be better than a contest.”
“No! No! Contest it!” was the general cry.
“Wait!” begged the lad who had most at stake. “This comes at an unfortunate moment. Shambler confessed that he was a professional. Fortunately it came in time to save the honor of Randall. Now, what I propose to do is for the further honor of our college.”
“What’s the matter with Frank Simpson?” demanded Bean Perkins.
“He’s—all—right!” was thundered out.
“Thank you, boys,” responded the Big Californian, when quiet had been restored. “I appreciate all that, but we must face the facts. As soon as it becomes known that Shambler has confessed, there will be a lot of talk. Fortunately Randall can’t be scorned. We have done our duty. Now there’s this charge against me. There are some complications in it. I believe——”
“A fair committee would never bar you,” broke in Tom.
“Perhaps not,” admitted Frank. “But we don’t want any question raised. Boys,” he went on, and his voice was solemn, “we have to think of the honor of Randall before we think of ourselves. It’s the college and not the contestants who will be exalted, or dragged down, as the case may be.