She did not want to be rude, but Bert's face had just taken on a half-sneering look at a chance mention of Dick's name.
"You aren't playing football this year, Bert ?" Laura asked innocently.
Bert quickly flushed.
"No," he admitted.
"Of course everyone can't make the eleven," Belle added, with mild malice.
"I---I don't believe I'd care to," Dodge went on.

"I---you see---I don't care about all the fellows in the squad." "I don't suppose every boy who is playing on the squad is a chum of everyone else," remarked Laura.
"Such fellows as Prescott, for instance, I don't care much about," Bert continued, with a swift side glance at Laura Bentley to see how she took that remark.

But Laura showed not a sign in her face.
"No ?" she asked quietly.

"I think him a splendid fellow.

By the way, he and Dave Darrin haven't received the reward for finding your father, have they ?" Bert gasped.