Wayne leaped to his feet. “I don’t quite know whether this is a joke or not.” He frowned inquiringly at Don.

Don smiled and shook his head.

“Speech!” called some one.

“But if it isn’t a joke, it’s—it’s silly rot. I am no more fit to be captain than I am to—to be principal.”

“Sit down,” shouted Dave, “you’re out of order!” But Wayne paid no attention; instead he looked quite serious as he continued.

“To prove what I say, fellows, I’m going to make a confession. You—you ought to know about it. I won the mile race to-day——”

“You bet you did!” said some one. “You’re all right!”

“But I didn’t deserve it. I came near losing it by—by my pigheadedness. I don’t deserve any credit; fact is, I ought to be put off the team.”

The fellows had quieted down and were listening in surprise and curiosity. Don put up a hand and tried to pull him back into his seat.