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286 hands of the country boy. When he saw Dave on the ice he kept at a distance, and it was the same on the playground or in the gymnasium.

Once during that time Plum and Poole caught Chip Macklin skating alone some distance from the academy. Both tried to bully the former sneak, but he stood his ground bravely and they found they could do little with him.

"I'm done with both of you, and I want you to know it," said Macklin. "I was a big fool to be a toady to anybody."

"And what are you now—a toady to Dave Porter," sneered Gus Plum.

"No, I am not, Gus. But if I was, it would be better than doing your bidding," answered Macklin, and skated off, leaving Plum and Poole staring after him. The bully wanted to pitch into the smaller boy, but, somehow did not dare.

"This is some more of Porter's work," grumbled Poole. "Before you know it, Gus, he'll have the whole school down on us."

"Never mind; just wait till I get the chance—I'll square up with him," answered the bully of the Hall, vindictively.

As the winter passed, the boys turned their attention to spring sports, and it was not long before baseball was the chief topic outside of school hours. During the previous season the Hall had had a good club, but had lost several important games,