“That’s none of your business,” said Frank Brooks sharply. “That’s my look-out. If I didn’t think you could be useful to the team do you suppose I’d waste my time on you for a minute?”
This hadn’t occurred to Cal and he digested it a moment. Then,
“You mean that you think I can learn to play the game?” he asked.
“I mean that I think you can be of use to the House Team. That’s enough. If you can be of use it’s your duty to work hard and forget yourself, Boland. Get that idea?”
“Yes.”
“All right.” Brooks observed him a moment. Then he smiled and thumped him on his back. “You’ll do, Boland. No more nonsense, though, if you please. See you this afternoon.”
Cal bundled the togs up.
“I’ll do what I can,” he said simply, “but—”
“But nothing,” laughed Brooks. “You do what you’re told to do as well as you know how and leave the ‘buts’ to me. Glad you came over, Boland. You’ll get on all right.”
“I don’t just like to take these things, though,” Cal objected.