“No, sir,” Hansel replied. “Although some of the fellows who come from a few of the prominent schools seem inclined to look down a bit on the fellows who don’t.”
“Yes, that’s so, I guess. Well, you’re showing them that their schools haven’t a mortgage on football, eh?”
“That’s what he is,” answered Phin heartily.
The next afternoon witnessed Hansel’s return to his old place on the first team. He was doubtful as to the attitude the other members would show toward him, but as it turned out his doubts were unnecessary. Most of them seemed glad to see him back again, and big Royle absolutely slapped him on the back, a token of friendliness which, because of its vigorousness, was quite as disconcerting as it was unexpected. Chastened by Saturday’s defeat by Warren, the team buckled down to work in a manner that was highly encouraging, and pushed the second all over the field.
The next day Hansel stole an hour between recitations, and walked to the village and paid a visit to the little book store where the students bought their stationery. As the proprietor wrapped up the half dozen blue books and the two scratch pads which had been purchased, he remarked casually:
“Well, maybe the next time you call you’ll find us in our new quarters.”
“Oh,” said Hansel, “are you going to move?”
“Yes, they’re going to tear this place down and put up a big four-story block here. My lease is up next week, and I’m going up the street to the store just this side of Perry’s drug store. I expect I’ll get back here when the new building’s done. Well, it’s time it was torn down,” he added disgustedly. “The place is almost ready to fall to pieces. I haven’t been able to get them to make any repairs for over a year.”
Hansel paid for his purchases and went out. On the sidewalk, from sheer curiosity, he paused and examined the building that was to disappear. It was a small affair, two stories and a half high. The ground floor was taken up by the book store, and by the entrance to a stairway leading to the upper floors, the first of which was occupied by a tailor. From his windows Hansel’s gaze roamed higher to the single casement under the peak of the roof, and a spot of color caught his eyes. He moved to the curb and looked up again. Yes, it was undoubtedly a light blue Beechcroft flag which he saw. Evidently, then, one of the students had quarters up there. Well, whoever he was, he’d have to move out and find a new room very shortly. Hansel started up the street, paused and turned back, struck by a thought. After a moment of indecision he returned to the store.