human
Well, I thought you were going to say something, half-snarled Porter.
gpt
If you are, put some steam on. We're in a hurry.
human
You made an accusation just now,
gpt
I did, and I think I can back it up. Why it's plain to everybody how the thing is worked. It's even known as Hamilton's football team, and no wonder he is picked to play on it.
human
It isn't my team at all!
gpt
Well, you're paying for the coaches, put in Weston.
human
That's why they----
gpt
They don't know a thing about it! cried Paul Drew.
human
That's what I want to say. From the beginning it was feared that something like this might crop up, and so Dick arranged to hand the money to the athletic committee, of which I happen to be a member. Our committee pays the salaries of the coaches, and also for their board, and the coaches themselves only know that much. They have no more idea that Dick is footing the bills than that an inhabitant of Mars is doing it, and if any one makes a statement to the contrary--well, we have a way of dealing with such persons at Kentfield,
gpt
Does that satisfy you? asked Dick quietly, as Paul paused.
human
I would have told you the same thing, but perhaps it is just as well to come from a member of the committee. I am only too glad to help out the team by hiring the coaches, but they don't know me from any other player, and I took my chances with all of you. If I had been turned down, as I half expected to be, it would have made no difference.
gpt
Wait until you get turned down, and then you'll sing a different tune,
human
I'm sorry, said the young millionaire gently,
gpt
The coaches don't,
human
There's plenty of chance yet, went on Dick.
gpt
We are to have another practice game this week, and there may be a turn about in some players.
human
I have a large sized gold framed picture of 'em naming me, exclaimed Porter with sarcasm.
gpt
But I take back what I said about your money getting you on. It did seem so, at first.
human
Perhaps naturally, agreed Dick.
gpt
But your apology is accepted, and he held out his hand.
human
I hope we can be friends,
gpt
I guess so,
human
I presume Mr. Weston seconds what his friend says,
gpt
Oh, yes, and it was with rather an obvious effort that the crony made reply.
human
Come on, Porter, or the best billiard tables will all be occupied.
gpt
Well, I'm glad that's over, remarked Dick to Paul, as they turned away.
human
I was afraid this would crop up, and it's just as well to settle it. I only hope it does settle it, and that no other fellows will think as Porter and Weston did.
gpt
Oh, some of them are bound to think it anyhow, said Paul easily.
human
Don't mind it, for it will wear away sooner or later. I'm afraid, though, that the team will be known as yours.
gpt
I don't want that, Paul.
human
Can't be helped, old man. After all it's a high honor. I wish I could afford a football team, and a steam yacht.
gpt
Maybe you will some day. And, come to think of it I may not have a steam yacht much longer.
human
Why, are you going to sell it?
gpt
No, but dad's finances are in a bad way, and may become worse.
human
You don't mean to say he's lost all his money?
gpt
Oh, we have enough to keep the wolf from howling under the parlor windows, and I don't expect to have to go to work in Uncle Ezra's woolen mill right away, but dad is involved in some trolley deal, and it's 'crimping' him, as he says. He's got most of his money tied up in it now, and some men, of whom Porter's father is one are trying to get the road away from dad.
human
Does Porter know this?
gpt
He doesn't know it's my father whom his father is fighting, and I'd just as soon he wouldn't. But I've got to do something to help out, and one thing is to locate a Mr. Duncaster,
human
I'll help if I can,