Neil glanced surprisedly at Paul, who was thoughtfully
examining the scars on his knuckles. "Don't decide until I've explained
matters more clearly," went on the visitor. "Perhaps neither of you have
been to Collegetown, but at least you know about where Robinson stands
in the athletic world, and you know that as an institution of learning
it is in the front rank of the smaller colleges; in fact, in certain
lines it might dispute the place of honor with some of the big ones.

"To the fellow who wants a college where he can learn and where, at the
same time, he can give some attention to athletics, Robinson's bound to
recommend itself. I mention this because you know as well as I do that
there are colleges--I mention no names--where a born football player,
such as either of you, would simply be lost; where he would be tied down
by such stringent rules that he could never amount to anything on the
gridiron. I don't mean to say that at Robinson the faculty is lax
regarding standing or attendance at lectures, but I do say that it holds
common-sense views on the subject of college athletics, and does not
hound a man to death simply because he happens to belong to the football
eleven or the crew.

"Robinson is always on the lookout for first-class football, baseball,
or rowing material, and she believes in offering encouragement to such
material. She doesn't favor underhand methods, you understand; no hiring
of players, no free scholarships--though there are plenty of them for
those who will work for them--none of that sort of thing. But she is
willing to meet you half-way. The proposition which I am authorized to
make is briefly this"--the speaker leaned forward, smiling frankly, and
tapped a forefinger on the palm of his other hand--"If you, Mr. Gale,
and you, Mr. Fletcher, will enter Robinson next September, the--ah--the
athletic authorities will guarantee you positions on the varsity eleven.
Besides this, you will be given free tutoring for the entrance exams,
and afterward, so long as you remain on the team, in any studies with
which you may have difficulty. Now, there is a fair, honest proposition,
and one which I sincerely trust you will accept. We want you both, and
we're willing to do all that we can--in honesty, that is--to get you.
Now, what do you say?"

During this recital Neil's dislike of the speaker had steadily
increased, and now, under the other's smiling regard, he had difficulty
in keeping from his face