“I spoke to Sargent about you, Jim,” he panted, “and he says if you can get square with the Office by Saturday he’s willing to give you a chance in the game if he can. That is, of course, if Johnny says so. I haven’t talked with him yet, but I will. Of course, Jim, you won’t get in at the beginning. You see, Parker’s doing pretty well and it wouldn’t be fair to throw him out at the last moment, would it? Besides, you might be a bit stale, you know.”
Jim nodded gloomily. “I know. Much obliged to you, Poke, but I guess it’s no use. I don’t even know that J. G. will give me leave to play yet. I’m pretty square with Groff, but Nancy doesn’t love me much, I guess. Don’t bother about speaking to Johnny. It’s all right.”
“Oh, I’ll see Johnny,” responded Poke heartily. “You do the best you can and go and have a talk with J. G. to-morrow. Why, supposing you don’t get in for the whole game, Jim, even a couple of periods is better than nothing at all. And you’ll get your C if you only play two minutes. Buck up and never say die, old chap!”
Jim nodded again and Poke, clapping him on the shoulder, hurried into the gymnasium. They were cheering again now, cheering each member of the team in turn, from Sargent down to the latest member, Parker. There was no cheer for Hazard, though. Jim had got parted from Hope and Jeffrey, and presently he edged his way out of the gathering and strode home alone and forlorn through the twilight.
[CHAPTER XXIII]
FRIDAY AND ILL-LUCK
“I think,” remarked Mr. Groff, the next morning, “that I could count on one hand the students who have studied their algebra. Wyman, Latham, Nutter, Hazard—if there is another I’d like to hear from him.”
Thirty-odd hands went up. Mr. Groff smiled gently and sorrowfully.