o some necessary studying. On
their way they stopped in the Yale branch postoffice. There was a letter
from home for Andy, and when he had read it he uttered such an
exclamation that Dunk asked:

"Any bad news?"

"Yes, but not for me," replied Andy. "This is from my mother. She writes
that Mr. Gaffington--that's Mortimer's father--has failed in business
and lost all his money. This occurred some time ago, but the family has
been keeping it quiet. The Gaffingtons aren't rich at all, and Mortimer
will probably have to leave Yale."

"Too bad," said Dunk, and then he started off, leaving Andy to read the
letter again.

CHAPTER XXXI

ON THE DIAMOND

Andy Blair stood in the middle of his room, carefully examining a bat he
had taken from a closet containing, among other possessions, his
sporting things. The bat was a favorite he had used while at Milton, and
he was considering having it sand-papered and oiled. Or, rather, he was
considering doing the work himself, for he would not trust his choicest
stick to the hands of another.

"Yes, she'll look a little better for a bit of attention, I think," said
Andy, half aloud. "Though I don't know as I can bat any better with it."

He gave two or three preliminary swings in the air, when the door
suddenly opened, a head was thrust in and Andy gave it a glancing blow.

"Wow! What's that for?" the newcomer gasped. "A nice way to receive
company, Andy! Where'd you learn that?"

"I beg your pardon, Bob, old man!" exclaimed Andy, as he recognized
Hunter, Dunk's friend. "I was just getting out my bat to see how it
felt and----"

"I can tell you how it felt," interrupted Bob, with emphasis. "It felt
hard! Better put up a sign outside your door--'Beware of the bat.'"

"And have the fellows think this is a zoological museum," laughed Andy.
"I will not. But, Bob, I'm very sorry you got in the way of my stick.
Does it hurt? Want any witch hazel or anything like that?"

"Oh, no, it isn't so worse. Good thing I wear my hair long or I might
have a headache. But say--where's Dunk?"

"He was with me a little while ago. We stopped in the postoffice, and I
thought he came on here. But he didn't. Have you seen him?"

"No, but I want to. Gaffington and his crowd are going to have another
blow-out to-night, and I wanted to make sure Dunk wouldn't fall by the
wayside."

"That's so. Glad you told me. I'll do all I can. But say, he and I have
had a strenuous time to-day."

"Wh