It's bad enough, Out, to be blamed for the thing when I didn't do it, but to lose the football team like this is a hundred times worse.

I almost wish I _had_ cut that old rope!" continued Joel savagely; "then I'd at least have the satisfaction of knowing that I was only getting what I deserved." West looked properly sympathetic.
"It's a beastly shame, that's what I think.

What's the good of 'believing you innocent,' as 'Wheels' says, if he goes ahead and punishes you for the affair?
What?
Why, there isn't any, of course! If it was me I'd cut the pesky rope every chance I got until they let up on me!" Joel smiled despite his ill humor.
"And I've lost half my interest in lessons, Out.

I try not to, but I can't help it.

I guess my chance at the scholarship is gone higher than a kite." "Oh, hang the scholarship!" exclaimed West.