"Yes."
Cockrell put his arm under his and drew him away.
"Stover," he said, "I've got bad news for you."
"For me?"
"Yes. I'm not going to let you go in the Woodhull game this afternoon."
Stover received the news as though it had been the death of his entire family, immediate and distant. His throat choked, he tried to say something and did not dare trust himself.
"I'm sorry, my boy—but we're up against it, and I can't take any risks now of your getting hurt."
"It means the game," said Dink at last.
"I'm afraid so."
"We've no one to put in my place—no one but Beekstein Hall," said Stover desperately. "Oh, please, sir, let me play; I'll be awfully careful. It's only a House game."