Page:Stanwood Pier--Harding of St Timothys.djvu/132

106 It was a tame outcome, and after the Corinthians had cheered their team for the uphill struggle, they flocked away as silently as the Pythians, who were cast down by their failure to achieve the expected victory.

With the game over, the boys fell to discussing among themselves the chief feature of it—Rupert's injury—and the effect it would have upon the school eleven.

Herrick freed himself from the three or four friends who came up to congratulate him on his playing, and turned to Harry.

"Seen Stoddard anywhere?" he asked abruptly.

"Yes, there he is—with Nat Belmont."

"Come along," said Herrick. Pulling Harry by the arm, he led him up behind Stoddard, and then called in a peremptory voice, "Stoddard! Look here a moment, will you?"

Francis turned, hesitated, and then, leaving Belmont, came back slowly to meet the two players.

"What is it?" he asked, in an unfriendly voice.