"Those were the chaps," the skipper said to the imperturbable Brown.
"But, captain, the boys are all worked up over this affair; you can't expect 'em to act like a lot of little French dancing masters," protested Brown.
"All nonsense! I say emphatically you're not giving the nine a fair show. I've noticed your carryings-on."
"Sorry you feel that way, captain. We look upon things differently. When a set of fellows chosen to represent the school doesn't make good it's up to the boys to find another set who will."
"And that's what we've done," put in Owen Lawrence.
"I'm sorry all this has happened," put in Earl Roycroft. "No one wanted to see Bob Somers succeed more than I."
A tremendous volley of cheering and the sight of boys waving their caps in the air put a stop to Captain Bunderley's reply.
Looking over the scene, he saw hilarious groups racing down the grass-covered slopes and the field being invaded by a stream of humanity on its way to the break in the hills beyond.
"Ah! The game must be ended," said Captain Bunderley. "I was so busy talking I forgot to look. What is the score, young fellow?"
He addressed a boy just passing.