“Not if you’re going to do the square thing.”
“That’s all right,” said Gerald mutinously, “but it seems to me that a fellow has some right to do what he likes best.”
“Perhaps. The question is, though, how much right? You know,” continued Dan with a twinkle in his eye, “we have a motto here at Yardley, Gerald. I wonder if you’ve ever heard it.”
“What?” Gerald demanded suspiciously.
“‘The School first,’” replied Dan quietly.
Gerald’s eyes fell and he was silent a moment. Then, “Just the same,” he muttered, “it’s hard lines after wanting to play so long. And I won’t be able to play baseball in the spring because I’ll have to train with the Track Team!”
“You’re too ambitious,” laughed Dan. “Why not be satisfied with the glory you have? You’re a good cross-country runner, you’ve won your letter in hockey and track; isn’t that enough?”
“But I’m not thinking of glory,” argued Gerald. “I want to play football because I like it.”
“Then join your class team.”