And it had. Hope met them at the door with the news and they went upstairs to Mr. Hanks’ room. The instructor fumbled around on his desk and finally found the message. He handed it to Gary. Gary read it with a broad smile, that trailed away toward the end, and handed it to Jim. This was the message:
Mr. Artemus Hanks,
Care Mrs. Hazard, Crofton, Mass.
Gary’s probation lifted. Please inform him. Hazard must pass examination in Latin before he can take part in athletics.
John Gordon.
Jim reread the telegram and then laid it back on the desk. “That lets me out,” he said quietly. “I’m glad you’re all right, though, Gary. If you play they won’t need me, anyway. Thank you, Mr. Hanks.”
“You’re very welcome, Jim. I—I regret that the result in your case is so disappointing.”
Jim went down to the door with Gary and bade him good night. “Glad you can play, Gary,” he said. “And I hope we win.”
“We will if I can bring it about,” replied Gary warmly. “I wish you were going in, too, though, Hazard.” He hesitated a moment on the steps. “Thanks for helping me. Come and see me some time, will you?” At the gate he turned again. “Oh, Hazard, I say!”
“Yes?” replied Jim from the doorway.