Those who knew Hugh best felt certain there must be some good and valid
reason for his action in this respect. He had taken none of them into
his confidence, however, and they could only surmise what it might be.
The general consensus of opinion was that possibly at some time in his
younger years, Hugh may have shown signs of an ungovernable temper, and
his wise mother had made him solemnly promise never to allow himself to
be drawn into a fight unless it was to protect some one weaker than
himself who was being rudely treated by a bully.

He nodded his head as he drew near the group, for by now the eager boys
had left their lofty perch, and gathered in an excited bunch to learn
what was in the wind.

"News, fellows!" exclaimed the latest addition to the group, "great
news for the Scranton lovers of baseball!"

"Then the committee have finished making out their programme, and mebbe
even decided on the lucky candidates who'll have a chance to show what
they've got in them to put the school on the map this year?"

"A pretty good guess for you, Eli, so go up head," laughed Hugh; "for
I've just been told that is what has come about. Their deliberations
have closed, and presently there will be a general call issued for a
full meeting, at which their report is to be read. Then everybody will
know whether or not they have been deemed worthy of making a try for
honors in the diamond this season."

"We'll all be mighty glad when it's over, and those of us who are
unfortunate enough to get left high and dry can know the worst," said
K. K.