“I had him last year.”
“Tough, ain’t he? Good night.”
“Good night,” echoed Hansel with a smile.
He thought of Billy Cameron a good deal that evening, and when, next day, a shell from the enemy’s lines at Fairview fell unexpectedly into camp and plunged the Beechcroft hosts into confusion and consternation, he remembered him again and, in spite of a natural feeling of exultation at the successful outcome of his efforts, was genuinely sorry for him.
The shell hurled by the enemy was a protest against the playing of William Cameron, who, the Fairview authorities declared, was not eligible, if their information was correct, to play on the Beechcroft team. By noon the news was all over school, and had become the all-absorbing subject of discussion and conjecture. Bert was for playing Cameron whether Fairview liked it or not, but Mr. Ames vetoed that plan.
“The matter will be placed before Dr. Lambert,” he stated to Bert and Harry, who had sought him for consultation. “He will have to decide. If he says Cameron may play, it will be all right; Fairview will have to put up with him. If he doesn’t, you’ll have to get along without him.”
“He’ll say no,” answered Bert bitterly.
“Maybe. I’ll see him this evening.”
“What I’d like to know,” exclaimed Harry with annoyance, “is how they found it out! Some one must have told them.”
Mr. Ames was gravely silent.