“He will esteem it an honor,” answered Ned gravely. “There you are. Slip your coat on again. Isn’t that more comfortable? Now, about shoes.”
“These are all right; they’re quite easy.”
“They look it! Never mind, I guess they’ll have to do. I haven’t an extra pair. Now then, come along.”
Kendall had hoped that they would find the links deserted, since he didn’t at all fancy making a public display of his awkwardness and ignorance, but he was doomed to disappointment. At least a half-dozen couples were making the rounds, while four or five fellows were loitering about the first tee. One of them was the boy who had talked with Ned at the football game. He was George Kirk, a good-looking Second Class fellow. Kirk brandished a golf club and hailed Ned with joy.
“Want to play a round, Ned?” he shouted as they approached.
“Thanks, George, but I’m going to show Burtis here something about the game. You fellows ever met?”
They shook hands, Kirk very affably. He showed no surprise at Ned’s announcement. In fact, he felt none, for he had become quite used to Ned’s vagaries.
“Mind if I go around with you?” he asked of Kendall. Kendall hesitated and glanced at Ned. The latter shook his head:
“Can’t have you, old man. This is Burtis’s first lesson and he doesn’t want a gallery. Where’s Morgan?”