Monty sat down rather weakly in the chair beside him and stared at the “blue” with wide eyes. That was it, of course! Alvin had waited until the last moment on purpose, had all along planned to let Monty set his heart on playing in Saturday’s game so that the disappointment would be greater. Monty’s hands clenched and a wave of red swept into his cheeks. If only Standart were there! If he could just get his hands on him! He started up and was halfway to the door before the futility of searching for the other came to him. First he would make certain. After that—well, Standart couldn’t keep out of his way for long!
Then it occurred to him to look at the summons again. Hadn’t it said four o’clock? Yes, and it was now after five. It must have arrived after he had gone to the field for practice. He wondered what he should do, and finally decided to go directly to the office and explain. Doctor Duncan would not be there, he presumed, but the secretary would advise him. He felt very tired and rather dejected as he walked across the campus in the twilight. Beating Standart was going to be unsatisfactory recompense for losing his chance to play against Mount Morris!
Mr. Pounder, the secretary, was alone in the outer room when Monty reached the office. He nodded at the latter’s explanation. “Doctor Duncan left word that you were to call at his house in case you came before supper time. Otherwise he would see you in the morning.”
“Shall I go to his house, then?” asked Monty.
The secretary glanced at the clock and again nodded. “I should,” he answered.
“You—you don’t know what he wants to see me about, do you?” asked Monty, with his hand on the door-knob.
“I think I do, Crail,” responded the other dryly, “but I have not been instructed to inform you.”
“It’s that, then,” muttered Monty sadly as he went back through the empty corridor. “Here’s where I get it. Snakes, why couldn’t they wait until after Saturday?”
“Will you tell Doctor Duncan that Crail is here, please,” he said to the maid who answered the bell. “He—I think he expects me.”
“Yes, sir. Will you step into the study, please?”