“I know, but――being proctor is fairly rotten sometimes. If it wasn’t for the difference it makes in my term bill I’d quit it. But I really can’t afford to. I suppose you’re out of the game to-morrow?”
“Oh, yes. But my being out of it won’t matter much.”
“Not so much as Norwin,” said Maynard significantly.
“Norwin? Oh, no! Hal’s the best player we’ve got. Don’t you think so?”
“I’m not much of an authority, but I’ve heard it said that he is.” There was a moment of silence. “It’s none of my business, Kenton, but I must say I think it was very decent of you.”
“Thanks,” replied the other dryly. “What?”
“I guess you know what I mean. I’d rather not put it in words because――well, I’m not supposed to know anything about it.” Maynard laughed as he arose. “As I said before, Kenton, I’m beastly sorry.” He held out his hand and Joe, a trifle surprised, took it. “Hope we win to-morrow, eh?”
“Rather!” agreed Joe. After Maynard had gone he frowned into the darkness beyond the open window. “He knows. Or he thinks he knows. Well, it doesn’t matter. Nothing does――much. I wonder if I told Hal the truth last night, though. Did I do it for the school or didn’t I? Of course I want Holman’s to win, but――I don’t know! But I’d hate to have him suspect that――that――oh, shucks, that’s tommyrot! Why _should_ I do it on his account? Of course I didn’t! Surly brute!”
Hal came in a few minutes later. He didn’t see Joe until he had turned the light on. Then: “Hello!” he said awkwardly.
“All right, I guess. Wilder played second.”
Joe nodded. “I supposed he would. That ought to please you.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Oh, rot! You tried your best to get Wilder on second in place of me, didn’t you?”
“Who told you that?” demanded Hal sternly.
“Why, I don’t know that any one exactly _told_ me. Anyhow, it didn’t matter much. He’s got the place finally.”
“So you’ve been holding that in for me?” sneered Hal. “Let me tell you, then, that I did not try to get Wilder on second. I didn’t even want him there. Why would I? You’re the better player.”
“Yes, ‘oh!’” retorted the other. “I don’t say I wouldn’t have tried for Wilder if I’d wanted him. But I just didn’t. Now chew that over.”
“You’re always thinking something that isn’t so,” grumbled Hal. “I’ll bet you’re doing it right now, too!”