"I think I can guess. But what is the use of chewing it over? I am sure I never wanted to interfere with you or your--friends. If you like Vera--and I think she is certainly a nice girl--why don't you act more friendly when you meet? I think you treated her a little bit shabbily the last time--and maybe she thinks so, too."
"Oh, I was a fool, that's why. I suppose now, if I try to make up, she'll cut me dead."
"I don't think she is that kind, Roger. Anyway, if I were you, I'd try her."
"I don't suppose you know I got a note about you and her?" went on the senator's son.
"Yes, it was only a scrawl in pencil and I was so angry at the time I tore it up. It said you were making yourself friendly with her just to cut me out."
"It was surely some enemy," said Dave; and there the talk had to come to an end.
Not much had been said at the meeting of the baseball club, but during the next few days many of the students of Oak Hall came out against Dave, Roger, and Gus Plum, saying they thought those three players had lost the game. This was not true, but the talk grew, and it made matters decidedly unpleasant for the trio of ball players.
"Phil, I think you had better try Purdy in the box at the next game," said Dave. "So many of the fellows seem to want him."
"And you can put Barloe behind the bat," added Roger. "I don't want to catch if somebody can do better."
"And I'll give up first base," said Plum.
"See here, if you are all going to resign I'll resign myself!" cried the manager of the nine. "This talk is all nonsense."
"But it is growing stronger," answered Dave. "And I must admit, Purdy is a good pitcher."
"I'd prefer to have others decide that question."
More talks like this followed, and when some of the other students got at Phil he began to waver.
"Well, regardless of friendships," said he at last, "I want to do the best I can for Oak Hall. I am willing to put Purdy in the box, Barloe behind the bat, and Hissoc on first, provided Dave, Roger, and Gus will go on the substitute bench."
"I reckon Porter won't agree to substitute," said one of the club members.
But in this surmise the player was mistaken. The young pitcher agreed to do anything the manager wished, and so did the senator's son and Plum. Thereupon Purdy, Barloe, and Hissoc were at once put into training for the next game.