THE COLLEGE AND THE CIRCUS
compliment; but I don't believe I have any influence—except, of course, over the team"
The President snapped his long, scholarly fingers. "This is no time for compliments," he said. "This is no mild college prank ahead of us. Among those coming to this town to-morrow are some of the wildest types our country produces. They will certainly carry arms; they will probably use them. There will be serious trouble—a riot—bloodshed—perhaps death. Think of what that means, Mr. Stehman—bloodshed, perhaps death. Think what it means to the parents of those hurt. Think what it means to all of us—to the fair name of the University for whose honor you and I are both supposed to be working in our different ways." Stehman was looking steadily in the President's eyes now. "I like the way he is talking to me, anyway," he thought. "No threats, no reference to my being on probation—good, straight talk."
"It takes a long time," said the President, "to make the public forget headlines such
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