Murmurs of indignation began to be heard. Rumors had become almost moulded into certainty.
What right had the captain to interfere?
Five minutes later a warning "Sh-h-h-h!" rippled from the various groups. The door of the school was seen to open, and the portly form of Captain Bunderley stood on the top step.
As he walked down his gaze was directed toward the gathering. Upon reaching the ground he paused. The lines on his good-natured face tightened when he saw the serenely smiling countenance of "Crackers" Brown.
Aleck Parks found it convenient to avert his eyes from the glare which, a second later, fell upon him. He momentarily expected to hear a thunderous outburst.
Captain Bunderley, however, showed no signs of recognition; and, without a word, resumed his walk. The students watched his big form swinging along the graveled path until it passed outside the ornamental gateposts.
"I feel sure he's tried to do us," growled Parks.
"Such an opinion is creditable to your power of discernment," said Brown. "Back to the field, boys. The show is over."
On their way the coach called Benny Wilkins to his side.
"Benny," he said, "thanks for telling us about this. Want a job?"