I am sorry we shall not be able to spring our innovations as a surprise, but we may give them a warm time just the same." That day Putnam informed the spare men that he did not think they would be needed any more in training, but asked them to keep in condition till after the race, in case anything might happen that they were wanted.
Gordon was enraged immediately, for he had held on and worked through everything with the belief that he would finally be given a place on the crew.
"So I am dropped, am I ?" he said, bitterly.

"Well, I rather think I understand how it comes about." Putnam did not like this, and a dark look came to his rugged face.
"What do you mean ?" he demanded, sharply.
"Never mind," returned Walter, with a toss of his head.

"It's no use to talk it over, but I know a few things." He turned as if he would go away, but Put put out a hand and stopped him, whirling him sharply about.
"See here," said the sturdy manager of the freshman ball team and crew, "I want to know just what you mean, Gordon." "Oh, you do ?" Walter flung to the winds all hope of getting on the crew.

He sneered in Putnam's face.
"Yes, sir, I do! You talk as if you had not been treated right." "Have I ?" "I think you have, sir." "I know I have not!" Putnam was angry, and his face betrayed it.
"You must prove that, Gordon!" "I can." "Do so." "I may not prove it to your satisfaction, but I can prove it just as hard.

You have told me that I am in fine form, and I know that you have said I have as fine back and shoulders as may be found in the whole college." "I did say that," calmly acknowledged Old Put.
"Well, that counts for something." "But it does not make you suitable for the crew.