“Robinson is always on the lookout for first-class football, baseball, or rowing material, and she believes in offering encouragement to such material.  She doesn’t favor underhand methods, you understand; no hiring of players, no free scholarships—­though there are plenty of them for those who will work for them—­none of that sort of thing.  But she is willing to meet you half-way.  The proposition which I am authorized to make is briefly this”—­the speaker leaned forward, smiling frankly, and tapped a forefinger on the palm of his other hand—­“If you, Mr. Gale, and you, Mr. Fletcher, will enter Robinson next September, the—­ah—­the athletic authorities will guarantee you positions on the varsity eleven.  Besides this, you will be given free tutoring for the entrance exams, and afterward, so long as you remain on the team, in any studies with which you may have difficulty.  Now, there is a fair, honest proposition, and one which I sincerely trust you will accept.  We want you both, and we’re willing to do all that we can—­in honesty, that is—­to get you.  Now, what do you say?”

During this recital Neil’s dislike of the speaker had steadily increased, and now, under the other’s smiling regard, he had difficulty in keeping from his face some show of his emotions.  Paul looked up from his scarred knuckles and eyed Neil furtively before he turned to the coach.

“Of course,” he said, “this is rather unexpected.”

The coach’s eyes flickered for an instant with amusement.

“For my part,” Neil broke in almost angrily, “I’m due in September at Erskine, and unless Paul’s changed his mind since yesterday so’s he.”

The Robinson coach raised his eyebrows in simulated surprise.

“Ah,” he said slowly, “Erskine?”

“Yes, Erskine,” answered Neil rather discourteously.  A faint flush of displeasure crept into Mr. Brill’s cheeks, but he smiled as pleasantly as ever.

“And your friend has contemplated ruining his football career in the same manner, has he?” he asked politely, turning his gaze as he spoke on Paul.  The latter fidgeted in his chair and looked over a trifle defiantly at his room-mate.

“I had thought of going to Erskine,” he answered.  “In fact”—­observing Neil’s wide-eyed surprise at his choice of words—­“in fact, I had arranged to do so.  But—­but, of course, nothing has been settled definitely.”

“But, Paul—­” exclaimed Neil.

“Well, I’m glad to hear that,” interrupted Mr. Brill.  “For in my opinion it would simply be a waste of your opportunities and—­ah—­abilities, Mr. Gale.”

“Well, of course, if a fellow doesn’t have to bother too much about studies,” said Paul haltingly, “he can do better work on the team; there can’t be any question about that, I guess.”

“None at all,” responded the coach.

Neil stared at his chum indignantly.

“You’re talking rot,” he growled.  Paul flushed and returned his look angrily.