“Wouldn’t you? Why?”
“You know why,” replied Stuart shortly. “After what happened this year, do you think I’d—I’d—— Anyway, they wouldn’t want me for captain. And I don’t blame ’em. It’ll be Howdy, I guess. He’ll make a good one, too.”
“Yes, I think he would,” agreed Neil. But there was a suggestion of reservation in his tone that caused Stuart to view him suspiciously.
“Look here,” he charged, “for the love of Mike, don’t go around making cracks like that, Neil!”
“Like what?” asked the other innocently.
“Why, about me being captain next year! Think I want fellows to think that—that I’m looking for it—or would take it if it was offered? Well, by golly, I don’t! That would be the limit!”
“All right, I won’t mention it. Suppose, though, some one else suggested it? Want me to say officially that you’d refuse?”
“Yes, I do! You say it as officially as you know how. But I guess no one but you would ever think of it, you crazy coot!”
“Well, that’s that,” replied Neil. “Let’s get up and have a good shower before the gang takes possession.”