human
Oh, it's all right, Teddy assured his players.
gpt
We will make up for it to-morrow. By the way, Dick, when are your coaches coming?
human
I've written, and I expect an answer some time this week. It may take a little longer than I hoped, but I told them not to let money stand in the way. I have made an offer to Burke Martin of Yale, and Wilson Spencer of Princeton.
gpt
Martin and Spencer! cried Teddy in delight.
human
Say, if we get them here they'll make even the goal posts play the game. There aren't any two better coaches living.
gpt
It pays to get the best, said Dick, with a smile.
human
I have had my father send a line to the athletic committee of the Tigers, and I told him to write to our distant relative who once went to Yale, and get him to put in a good word for us.
gpt
Fine! cried the captain.
human
I fancy they'll make the team all over again when they get here. I may lose my place.
gpt
Nonsense! declared Dick.
human
But the way I feel about it is this--we want the best men to represent Kentfield, and we'll let the coaches do the picking. I don't want to play unless they say I'm better, in my particular place, than some other fellow. It's a fair field and no favor for me.
gpt
Same here, declared Naylor.
human
I'll step out the minute I'm asked to. It's for the honor of Kentfield, not for any particular player. But it would be rubbing it in if they turned you down Dick, after what you've done--putting up all that money.
gpt
Say, look here, that's a matter I want to speak about! exclaimed Dick with sudden energy.
human
I don't want the coaches to know who is putting up the money--I don't want it known that I am doing it. They are both fair men, and I know you couldn't influence them with a million dollars. But let this matter be kept quiet, and have it given out that the athletic committee of Kentfield is supplying the funds. Then there can't be anything said against me.
gpt
I guess that would be the best way, assented Teddy.
human
I'll call a meeting right away and we'll settle it. But you say you have already written to the coaches.
gpt
I did, but I wrote in the name of the committee, said Dick.
human
I took that liberty, as I wanted to conceal my part in the affair. I thought it would be all right.
gpt
Sure. I'll see that it is.