human
Do you know what you're saying, Dick? asked his roommate.
gpt
This is the only chance you'll have--perhaps to save your father's fortune.
human
I know it.
gpt
And you're not going?
human
What? And desert the team in the face of the biggest game of the year? I guess not. Dad wouldn't want me to.
gpt
Some one can play in your place--perhaps for half the game. You could go out in an auto and back in a short time.
human
Of course I might, but I'm not going to, and the young millionaire, who might not be a lad of wealth much longer, calmly looked to see if his canvas jacket needed any last attention.
gpt
If I went out there it would take some time to arrange about the transfer of the stock, and I never could get back in season to play the game. Besides I want to start off with the boys from the first kick against Blue Hill.
human
I don't blame you--but--it's a big price to pay.
gpt
I know it, but it's worth all it will cost. Why I couldn't leave now, practically in the face of the enemy. I may not be a whole lot to the team, and probably there are fellows on the scrub who can play quarter-back as well, if not better, than I can. But I've trained with the boys all season. I'm their captain, however unworthy, and I've got to stick by 'em. It would be treason to go now. I've got to stick.
human
But can't you do something? Can't you send Duncaster some word? He says he leaves to-night. Telegraph him that you'll see him directly after the game. Explain how things stand, and maybe he'll make allowances.
gpt
I will, decided Dick,
human
Have you got the cash to pay for the stock?
gpt
Oh, I can give him a check to bind the bargain, and dad can settle with him later. I haven't as much in the bank as I had, for I let dad invest it in the electric line.
human
Then you stand to lose too, if you don't get Duncaster's stock.
gpt
Yes, but what of it? If we win this game, and Kentfield is the champion of the league, I'd be willing to lose almost all I had. I fancy dad left an offer with Mr. Duncaster, better than his first one, of an advance of ten per cent., and instructed the crabbed old chap to let him know when he was ready to accept it. Instead, he sends me word, and I--well, I'm not going--that's all. That is not until after the game. It's what dad would want me to do--he'll understand,
human
Well, you've got nerve--that's all I've got to say,
gpt
Duncaster might refuse it, if it went collect, he remarked with a grim smile.
human
I can't take any chances. Then, Toots, arrange to have a speedy taxicab waiting for me at the end of the game. I'll make a bee-line for Hardvale as soon as the last whistle blows, he explained to Paul.
gpt
Want to come along?
human
Sure.