The white cap and smiling countenance of Mr. Guffin immediately appeared in the doorway.
"Just a moment, Nat," he answered, rubbing his hands together.
"Hurry it up, Terry. Well, Lawrence, Mr. Barry owns a large field about three-quarters of a mile from the school. And, last year, he sprang a sensation on the crowd which some of 'em haven't gotten over yet."
"If I'd only known about it at the time I'd have stayed at the school and won it for the boys," remarked John Hackett.
"You?" scoffed Benny Wilkins.
"Before night comes I guess I'll know the particulars," laughed Owen.
"Everybody keep quiet until spoken to," commanded Nat. "Mr. Barry ambled over to the school one day and saw Professor Hopkins."
"I'll tell him what happened," interrupted Ted Pollock. "You weren't there, Nat. I can see the principal now——"
"You can't," declared Benny Wilkins—"unless you've eaten too much pie."
"He came into the assembly room with Mr. Barry. 'Boys,' he said, in solemn tones, 'you all know our esteemed fellow townsman. He tells me that on several occasions some of you have attempted to play ball on his lot.'"