“Hop said last year he’d be mighty glad to have a coach,” said Law.
“Yes, but he wanted a fellow he knew and wouldn’t talk about any one else. If the Doctor would take a decent interest in things—”
“He always begins to hum and haw about ‘the danger of investing sport with undue prominence,’” said Pierce, disgustedly.
“Oh, the Doctor means well, too,” protested Rob. “I’ve got an idea in my head, you chaps, and some day soon I’ll spring it. I’m going to let it seethe a bit first.”
“Another of your numerous patents?” asked Jelly, with a grin.
“Maybe. Look here, Gus, my friend Kingsford wants to try for the team. I told him what he was up against, but he has the—the indomitable will and reckless courage of his forebears, and refuses to be intimidated. You sort of put him up to the tricks, will you? See that he doesn’t get into any more trouble than necessary.”
“Glad to,” answered Gus Devens, with a friendly nod to Evan. “Played, have you, Kingsford?”
“Yes, quite a little.”
“What?”
“Half and quarter; quarter mostly.”