This was clearly the sentiment of the meeting, and it was expressed in as revolutionary language as they dared adopt, and for the next few days the spirit of rebellion was so rife that the masters had to resort to severe measures in order to maintain their authority; but the boys soon came to the conclusion that the Doctor's law was like that of the Medes and Persians, and that their best policy would be to submit with a good grace, for the day of the great game with Williston was rapidly approaching.
"I say, Atkins," said Doggy, putting his head sheepishly in at the door of the Grind's room, "could you help a fellow a little? I've got to know this stuff to-morrow, and the Welsh Rarebit's busy."
"Of course; come right in," answered Atkins, shutting his book. "I've been over it all once, so I ought to be able to help you."
They sat down to the Æneid together, Doggy groaning as though in severe pain; but the next morning he came smiling out of recitation, and shook up Sleep Forsyth to tell him that "Atkins was no end of a good fellow, even if he were a 'grind.'"
That evening Atkins was besieged by shamefaced members of the team who wanted help in their classics, help which he freely gave; and it became a regular thing for him to coach them in their uphill work, and his patience and good-nature roused their gratitude to such an extent that they rewarded him by confiding all their football hopes and aspirations, generally in the middle of a difficult passage which they were laboriously construing.
"Old Atkins really knows a thing or two," announced Buck Graham, condescendingly. "He agrees with me that the interference is too loose, and that we don't play quick enough. It's no end of a pity he goes in so for study. He might have made something out of him."
"'Maria aspera juro'—Maria swears loudly," read Buff Miller, the big centre rush. "I should think she might over such stuff. Did you see that beautiful run Paddy made to-day?"
"Yes," answered Atkins, "it was great. That means, 'I call the harsh seas to witness,' Buff."
"No, does it? I was afraid my translation was a little free. Don't you think Paddy dodges better than Doggy? But Doggy tackles and bucks the centre better. 'Maria aspera juro'—Maria, no, the seas, I call to witness—I let one or two men through to-day, didn't I?"