"I'll have a talk with Badger, and see what I can do!" Kirk went on.
"When he was so wildly ambitious, a little while back, a word from me
might have settled it; but I suppose I shall have to show him by
argument that he ought to accept your friendly offer. You authorize me
to make that as an offer?"
"Yes. I'm willing to try to help Badger. He has good stuff in him, and,
as you say, it would be too bad for him to get into the dumps and
neglect to develop it. I can arrange it, I think, and, if he will pitch
for us Saturday, he may. With the clear understanding that I am at
liberty without question to take the pitcher's box at any time I see
fit!"
"Of course!"
The captain's face had brightened. He was not a partisan of Buck Badger,
nor of any man. He cared only for the recognition and development of the
best Yale players and the triumph of the Yale nine. And because he
recognized in Frank Merriwell these same unselfish qualities he had come
to him with this request.
"I doubt much if Badger will accept the offer," said Frank.
"I shall take the offer to him, anyway. I believe it will brighten him
to receive it, even if he refuses it. That desire for popularity which
you mentioned will, I think, make him accept. He may tell himself and
all his friends that he doesn't care for your opinion, but he does, just
the same! He can't help caring for the opinion of any man who is a
gentleman.
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