A bomb-shell had landed in the Erskine camp and had exploded in Mills's quarters.
On the front steps Neil met Cowan.

The two always nodded to each other, but to-night Neil's curt salutation went unheeded.

Cowan, with troubled face, hurried by him and went up the street toward Mills's rooms.
"Every one's grouchy to-night," muttered Neil.

"Even Cowan looks as though he was going to be shot." Meanwhile the athletic authorities of Erskine and the coaches were met in extraordinary session.

They were considering a letter which had arrived that afternoon from Collegetown.