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 "Just what is it you'd like to know?" inquired a voice at Tom's back. Tom, startled, turned to find Mr. Hilliard facing him soberly from the foot of the stairs. Tom swallowed. Then, conscious of the sudden silence that had fallen about him, he recovered his assurance.

"About Mr. Otis, sir," he answered. "They say he's sick and won't be able to come back all season. I—we'd like to know if that's true."

"Quite true, Kemble," replied "Pinky" gravely. "Mr. Otis has contracted influenza, and, so his doctor writes us, is a very sick man. Even if he recovers within the customary time he will not be in condition to continue his work here with the Team. It is a very unfortunate happening, both for Mr. Otis and for the School, but we must all make the best of it. The gong has rung, fellows."