“Oh, forget it,” growled Halden. “I’m not going off.”
“I think you are,” replied Dick quietly. He left the squad and walked across to where Billy Goode was standing with Manager Whipple. “I’m short a half-back,” he announced. “Got someone, Mr. Trainer?”
“What’s the matter? Someone hurt?” asked Billy.
“No, but I’ve let Halden go. He tried to make trouble.”
Billy looked at Dick quizzically. “You let him go! What do you know about that?” He turned inquiringly to Stearns Whipple.
Whipple smiled. “Benson’s not working,” he said. “Give him Benson.”
“Would you?” Billy shot a look of mingled disapproval and respect at Dick. “Well, all right. Send Halden to me. Say, what’s your name? Gates? Oh, Bates! Well, if I was you Bates, I wouldn’t get too uppity.” Billy went off for Benson and Dick started back toward his waiting squad, followed by the amused regard of Whipple. Benson trotted out from behind a neighbouring group and joined Dick.
“Billy sent me over,” he said. “I’m a half-back.”
“Go in at left, will you? That’s all, Halden. Goode says to report to him.”