“No, thanks. I’ll wait here.”
Arnold left him by the corner of the old grandstand and made his way toward where the new coach was in conversation with Captain Fanning. Toby saw Fanning introduce Arnold to Mr. Lyle and saw the two shake hands. Then something broad and heavy smote him disconcertingly between his shoulders and he swung around to find Sid Creel’s grinning, moon-like countenance before him.
“Hello, Toby!” greeted Sid, reaching for his hand. “I had a beastly fright. Just when I was lamming you I thought maybe it wasn’t you after all. You’ve sort of thickened up since last year. Rather embarrassing to find you’ve whacked a total stranger on the back, eh? Much obliged to you for being you, Toby. I’ll never forget it. What sort of a summer did you have? You’re looking hard as nails and more beautiful than ever!”
“Same to you, Sid. Are you going out for football?” Toby glanced at the other’s togs.
“No,” replied Sid gravely. “I’m going to tea at the Doctor’s.”
“Well,” laughed Toby, “that was sort of a fool question, but I didn’t know you were a football shark.”
“I’m not; I’m just a minnow. I’m trying for the Second. I always do. I’ve been trying for the Second Team for years and years. If I’m not here they postpone until next day. I should think you’d go in for the game, Toby. Ever tried it?”
“A little. I was out for the Second last fall, but I didn’t stay long.”
“That so? I don’t remember seeing you.”
“Funny, Sid; there were only about eighty of us the first day!”