“It was a contemptible trick, I believe,” burst out Tony, tossing the telegram upon the desk.
I was inclined to be more reasonable.
“I can’t see the trick,” I said. “Slade is known to be a very careful fellow. Had he been a Park College man, I might have suspected him of underhand work, but the Halford men have always been friends.”
“I don’t know what to think of it,” remarked Ray thoughtfully, “but you may be sure I will sift the matter to the bottom, and if there has been any crooked work we’ll make things hum at that convention. If it was merely negligence on Slade’s part, it is too important to be overlooked. He would deserve an early dismissal from his office for such carelessness. Were we to miss the meeting, the damage to our interests might be very great—but come, we can talk about that on the train. Our business now is to get ready as fast as possible. You, Harry,” he continued, turning to me, “said you needed only a few hours’ warning, and it turns out that is about all you’ll get. Can you be ready for the 7:15 train?”
“Easily,” I responded. “I have only to pack a small valise, and get my dinner.”
“And how about you?” to Tony.
“I’ll be at the station without fail,” was the reply.
“All right, then. Don’t forget to draw the necessary money for expenses.”
“Why, I can’t do that. You know, the bank closes at three o’clock,” answered Tony.
“To be sure, I had forgotten that,” said Ray. “Well, then we will have to stand our own expenses, and charge it up to the baseball association. Remember to report your absence to Mr. Dikes. I have already done so, and you had better go at once, for the college offices close at six.”