"Ice-water is good for hotheads!" came through the keyhole.
"Our policy has been dictated by a thorough belief in the team," said Sam Randall, "and, incidentally, we have felt bound to stand up for our rights."
"We're to understand, then, that you defy the whole school?" exclaimed Owen Lawrence. He glared at the boys ranged around the table. "Just remember—there's a big crowd in the gym waiting to get your answer."
"I wouldn't call it such a harsh word as that," said Sam Randall. "The fellows are temporarily against us; that's all. They'll soon see it themselves."
"Crackers" Brown continued to argue, pointing out in his calm way the consequences which might result if the regulars persisted in their course. Owen Lawrence, of combative temperament, threatened and stormed. Earl Roycroft took a middle course, doing his best to act as peacemaker.
But, to their combined efforts, Sam Randall, as spokesman of the athletic association, gave a final, and negative answer.
"All right—nothing doing here!" growled Brown. "There'll be a lot doing somewhere else, however."
"Crackers" Brown, with a curt "So-long!" strode to the door, throwing it open so suddenly that Benny uttered an exclamation of surprise.
"Can't you be more polite when a fellow has his eye to the keyhole, Brown?" he complained. "Got thrown down hard, didn't you? I'm going to tell the fellows."
A crowd quickly surrounded the three "outlaws," loudly demanding particulars of the meeting.