“We—you hadn’t decided, sir,” answered Gerald, puzzledly.
“Too bad, for I fear I’m much too sleepy to decide now. I will take the case under advisement, Pennimore, and let you know my decision later.” He smiled at Gerald’s perplexity. “In the meanwhile, as I have said, there is nothing to keep you from indulging in any form of exercise you like on the track—pending the court’s decision.”
“Thank you, sir!” cried Gerald, eagerly. “And I hope you’ll decide that I may go on with it, Mr. Collins.”
“Tut, tut, you mustn’t try to influence the Court,” said Mr. Collins, sternly.
“I—I wasn’t, sir, really!” Gerald disclaimed, anxiously. Mr. Collins laughed.
“All right, my boy. That was all you wanted to see me about?”
“Yes, sir, thank you.”
“Very well. You’re quite welcome, Pennimore. By the bye, I’m glad to see that you’re getting good marks so far. Don’t let the exercise interfere with school work, Pennimore. If you do, the Court may have to decide against you.”
“No, sir; thank you, sir.”