"Yes," said Worcester. "I first, because I am undeservedly offered the
cap, and the rest of you in order of membership."

No one saw any objection to signing Dick's memorandum, and forthwith, with
all legal formality, the round robin was signed by the ten, and sent to
Phil by Dick's fag with orders to wait for an answer.

It came within five minutes.


"DEAR WORCESTER,
I have no intention of offering John Acton a place in the St.
Amory's football eleven. There are good reasons for not doing
so, and I have already told Acton the reasons. Please let me
know whether you accept the vacant place I had the pleasure of
offering you.
Yours sincerely,
PHILIP BOURNE."

This was a thunderbolt among the fellows. Then Acton knew!

Worcester posted back to Acton, lost in amazement.

"Look at this, Acton!"

Acton carefully read Bourne's letter, and Dick, who was watching him
anxiously, saw him bite his lips with rage; for Phil's icy contempt stood
out in every word of the letter.

"He says you know why you are not in the eleven."