Page:The fighting scrub, (IA fightingscrub00barb).pdf/269

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the latter appeared at Freeburg long before eleven o'clock. Trying hard to seem offhand and casual, Clif explained the circumstances, but he had to grin when Mr. Bingham jammed his thumb against the horn button and sent forth a strident wail that populated the steps of East and West Halls in something under three seconds.

"Well, well, well!" exclaimed Mr. Bingham. "Gosh, son, that's great news, isn't it? Aren't you mighty proud, eh? Hang it all, don't stand there and make believe you're not! I am, anyway. Yes, sir!"

Toot, to-o-o-ot! went the horn.

"Gee, dad, don't!" begged Clif. "The fellows'll think—"

"What if they do?" laughed his father. "I want them to!"

Mr. Bingham took Walter Treat and three other boys of Walt's choosing over to Cotterville, while Clif traveled in one of the three big busses that rolled away at twelve to the cheering of their companions, massed in front of West. Loring, declining Mr. Babcock's offer of transportation, was one of many youths who made the trip by auto in company with parents or friends. Loring rode between his father and mother, and Wattles sat with the chauffeur, who, to Wattles's disgust, knew no football save soccer. Wattles had a thoroughly pleasant ride, and by the time Cotterville was reached the chauffeur had become vastly better informed on one subject at least.

Clif and Tom had tried to stick together, but some-