“I don’t want to kick you,” responded Rodney grudgingly, “but I do think—” However Matty’s imploring gaze moved him to silence. Kitty, blinking at Tad, said,
“Foolish thing to try if you’ve never done it. Thought from what you said you had. Otherwise I wouldn’t have let you try. It follows.”
“You were certainly a brick, Kitty,” said Tad feelingly. “And I don’t know how to thank you. I guess if you hadn’t got along about when you did—” Tad paused, shuddered and then smiled. “I guess Stacey would have had to find a new roommate, what?”
“Oh, Tad!” murmured May.
“Shut up!” growled Rodney.
“All right. Say, you fellows, what time is it?” Tad sat up suddenly and stared anxiously while Kitty pulled leisurely at his fob. “What? ’Most one? Say, you fellows will be late for practice!”
“Can’t be helped, I guess,” answered Kitty. “Besides, there isn’t any practice today. We play Ludlow. Won’t need us anyhow.”
“I tell you what,” said Tad. “The rest of you start along. I—I’m a bit weak on my pins yet, but I’ll follow in a little while. Maybe I’ll catch you up.” He winked at Rodney. Kitty shook his head.
“Better keep together, I guess,” he said. “No hurry. Plenty of time. Think so, Rod?”