"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.
"A note?"
"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."
"Who sent the note?"
"I don't know. Wish I did."
"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.
