“Easy, easy!” The stranger held up a hand. “I thought from what I saw
that this gentleman was quite neutral. How about it?” He turned
to Clint.

“He had a narrow escape from hydrophobia, didn’t he?” mused Clint.

“Why that unholy smirk on your face?” he asked.

“Better than–Say, you make me laugh! There isn’t any comparison.
Claflin’s got it all over this hole every way you look!” Dreer paused
suddenly and cast a doubtful look at Amy. But for once Amy seemed
unconcerned by such sentiment. His smile even seemed approving! Dreer
warmed to his subject. “Of course, you fellows haven’t been anywhere
else and think Brimfield’s quite a school. That’s all right. But I
happen to have gone to Claflin and I know the difference between a real
school and a second-rate imitation like this! Brimfield’s a regular
hole, fellows, believe me! Gee, I must get on!”

“Oh, I fancy Durkin told it straight. It’s some private feud we happened
on. Too bad we didn’t follow our first intention and go toward
the village.”

“Sure to be sooner or later.”

“Well, in my case–” began Clint, with a smile.

“Why didn’t you enter the doubles?” asked Clint.