“No, and I guess I’ve had enough already. I cal—guess I’ll let the rest of you have the fun.”
“Oh, you can’t back out,” exclaimed Ned.
“Why not?” Cal asked in surprise.
“Because we need you; we need every fellow we’ve got, and more too. Why, if Clara Parker wasn’t a Second Junior we’d have him at work!”
“But there isn’t any use in my trying for the team,” said Cal. “I’d never make it.”
“You can’t tell. We’re going to be in a hard way for men this year. You’d better stick it out, Cal. Besides, the fellows wouldn’t like it if you squealed.”
“They wouldn’t? Well, I don’t see as it’s anyone’s business but mine. If I’d rather not—”
“You haven’t anything to say about it,” declared Ned firmly. “As long as the House needs you it’s your duty to come out. Of course, you’re new yet and don’t understand the way we feel about such things here. You see, Cal, it’s the School first and then your own particular House; see? After that you can do as you like personally.”
“Oh!” Cal thought that over a moment, and then chuckled. “I see. After I do what the School wants me to do then I do what the House wants me to do, and then, if there’s any time left, I do as I please. That’s it, ain’t it?”
“Sure pop,” answered Ned gravely. “And it’s a good thing to remember, old man.”