It was while they were dressing that Neil said suddenly: “Stuart, will you tell me the truth if I ask you something?”
Stuart grinned. “I’ll either tell you the truth or keep my mouth closed,” he replied. “What’s the question, little one?”
“Aren’t you wanting to be back on the team, Stuart?”
For a long moment it seemed that Stuart meant to keep his mouth closed. He gave far more attention to pulling on a sock than the task appeared to demand. When, however, he had snugged it over his foot fastidiously he looked up.
“Sort of,” he said.
Neil swung over to his dresser, selected a soft collar and thrust a blue tie through the loops.
“Why don’t you?” he asked finally.
“Because I’ve got some self-respect, I suppose. And maybe I’m not wanted, anyway.”
“That’s not so, Stuart. The fellows all want you.”
“Maybe some of them do.” Stuart pulled his trousers on and cinched the belt with a jerk. “I’ll bet Haynes doesn’t, though.”