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 rupture between Martin and the Owl may be one of those cases of honest misunderstanding on each side? If it is, we can probably patch it up. You can get at the bottom of this. The Owl will talk to you. Will you ask him?"

"Yes," Praska said slowly, "I'll ask him. It may be a misunderstanding."

That afternoon, after classes, he followed the Owl to the outdoors and walked with him in silence until they were a block from the school.

"Owl," he said suddenly, "Northfield has always said that a good, stiff game, keenly fought, is a fine thing regardless of who wins it. But we want to see our teams give a good account of themselves. It's a matter of school pride that a Northfield team must show the Northfield spirit. Lately the nine's been losing miserably. No fighting spirit, no backbone, no standing up to the job. You've noticed that, haven't you?"

The Owl considered. "I—I noticed we've been losing."

"Have you noticed any change in the nine's play?"

"Why—" The Owl hesitated. "There—there seemed to be something lacking."

"The name of that something is Martin. He was dropped because his scholarship fell below the requirements. Were his averages to go back