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diff --git a/old/53986-0.txt b/old/53986-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 044bf99..0000000 --- a/old/53986-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,7903 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of Right Half Hollins, by Ralph Henry Barbour - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: Right Half Hollins - -Author: Ralph Henry Barbour - -Illustrator: Leslie Crump - -Release Date: January 17, 2017 [EBook #53986] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK RIGHT HALF HOLLINS *** - - - - -Produced by Donald Cummings and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - - - - - - - - - - RIGHT HALF HOLLINS - - - - -THE FOOTBALL ELEVEN BOOKS - -BY - -RALPH HENRY BARBOUR - - - LEFT END EDWARDS - LEFT TACKLE THAYER - LEFT GUARD GILBERT - CENTER RUSH ROWLAND - FULL-BACK FOSTER - QUARTER-BACK BATES - LEFT HALF HARMON - RIGHT END EMERSON - RIGHT GUARD GRANT - RIGHT TACKLE TODD - RIGHT HALF HOLLINS - - - - -[Illustration: Once more Bert gave an imitation of a corkscrew] - - - - - RIGHT HALF - HOLLINS - - BY - - RALPH HENRY BARBOUR - - AUTHOR OF - - LEFT END EDWARDS, - FULL BACK FOSTER, - RIGHT TACKLE TODD, ETC. - - ILLUSTRATED BY - LESLIE CRUMP - - - [Illustration] - - - GROSSET & DUNLAP - PUBLISHERS NEW YORK - - Made in the United States of America - - - - - Copyright, 1925, - By DODD, MEAD AND COMPANY, Inc. - - - - -CONTENTS - - - CHAPTER PAGE - I TOMMY PARISH, CRITIC 1 - II BERT REFUSES AN INVITATION 16 - III AN HUMBLE MEMBER 28 - IV THE MANAGER GIVES A PARTY 42 - V TOMMY MAKES A PREDICTION 56 - VI MOONEY’S 68 - VII BERT GOES THROUGH 82 - VIII EXPERT ADVICE 94 - IX SUBS VS. SCRUB 108 - X CHICK MISSES A FORWARD-PASS 125 - XI A SHAKE-UP 136 - XII THE EDITOR CALLS 149 - XIII AROUND THE END 161 - XIV DEVORE COMES TO COLLECT 175 - XV FUMBLES 192 - XVI PEANUTS AND CONVERSATION 209 - XVII BERT IS SENT FOR 225 - XVIII MR. CADE RECEIVES 236 - XIX TOMMY ISSUES AN ULTIMATUM 253 - XX THE NIGHT BEFORE 266 - XXI ALTON CELEBRATES 276 - - - - -ILLUSTRATIONS - - - Once more Bert gave an imitation of a corkscrew _Frontispiece_ - - PAGE - From across the hall came an agonized wail of “Cut that out!” 52 - - On the next attempt Nip put the ball over the cross-bar 126 - - “Who did it? How did it happen?” 238 - - - - -RIGHT HALF HOLLINS - - - - -CHAPTER I - -TOMMY PARISH, CRITIC - - -“Put some glue on your hands, Chick!” advised Tommy Parish in a clear, -carrying voice from his seat in the front row of the stand. The sally -gained a ripple of laughter from the somewhat apathetic audience. Bert -Hollins, huddled under a blanket on the players’ bench, a few yards -away, turned a mildly indignant countenance toward Tommy and was met -with a wide grin and a jovial wink. Across the field, Chick Burton, -right end, captured the trickling pigskin and tossed it disgustedly -toward the referee. The disgust was natural, for Chick had just missed -his third forward-pass in that quarter. - -Alton Academy was playing its first game of the season, with Southport -School, and the third period was well along. Southport had scored a -field-goal in the first quarter and Alton a touchdown in the second. -Nip Storer had failed to kick the goal after the latter event. It had -been drizzling ever since noon, and a wet ball and a slippery field -were not making for brilliant playing. For that matter, however, even -had the weather conditions been of the best it is doubtful if either -team would have put up a good game, for both were slow and ragged, -missing numerous opportunities to score and plainly badly in need of -practice. Perhaps Chick Burton was no worse than the others, but that -was a matter of opinion, and Tommy Parish’s opinion was to the effect -that Chick was the principal offender of the afternoon. If Chick had -caught just one of the throws from Jim Galvin, Alton would be in -possession of twelve points instead of six. At least, so Tommy thought. - -Tommy sat with his knees hunched up almost to his chin and munched -peanuts. Tommy was usually munching something. He was a short, heavy -youth with a round face and a liability to boils on the back of his -brief neck. Indeed, it was quite an unfamiliar sight to see Tommy -without at least one protective arrangement of gauze and plaster -between his collar and the edge of his pale brown hair. Because his -seat was in the front row of the grand-stand, he was able to perch -his feet on the edge of the barrier and so form a sort of trough -between legs and stomach for the accommodation of his bag of peanuts. -When not dipping into the bag or deftly detaching the shells from -their contents he snuggled his hands under the edge of his thick blue -sweater. Since Tommy never wore a hat at school--whatever he did at -home--a fact which may account to some extent for the faded tone of -his hair, he presented a rather damp and bedraggled appearance. Drops -trickled down his somewhat button-like nose, encircled his slightly -protrusive ears and quivered on his round chin as it moved ceaselessly -and rhythmically during the process of mastication. But if moist, he -was quite happy. Give Tommy something to eat and something to look -on at and weather conditions meant nothing in his young life. His -was a cheerful disposition, and if those who smarted under the frank -expressions of his judgment frequently wanted very, very much to murder -him, Tommy cared not a whit. He believed in being outspoken, in giving -candid publicity to his opinions; in short, Tommy hewed to the line and -let the chips fall wherever they blame pleased! - -The game went on, Southport capturing the ball after Fitz Savell, -playing at half, had let it ooze from his arms. Tommy set his -strong, white teeth on a particularly attractive peanut and observed -reproachfully, “Why don’t you hand it to him, Fitz, ’stead of making -him pick it up that way? Where’s your manners, boy?” - -Homer Johnson, two rows back, reached a long leg across the intervening -seat and placed a foot against the back of Tommy’s head. Tommy’s head -went suddenly forward with a jerk and two peanuts fell to the wet -boards, a total loss. “Cut out the merry quips, Tommy,” advised Homer. -“You weary me.” - -Tommy turned his head cautiously. As a matter of fact he happened to be -free from boils at the moment, but affliction had taught him caution -in the matter of moving his neck and it had become second-nature. He -observed Homer without rancor. “Hello,” he said. “Great game, isn’t it?” - -“The game’s bad enough, Tommy, without any help from you,” answered -Homer coldly. - -“Oh, no, Homer, you’re wrong,” responded Tommy affably. “Nothing’s so -bad it can’t be helped. Constructive criticism, Homer, old timer, is -never inopportune, never _mal venu_.” Tommy delighted in French phrases -which he pronounced with a fine New England accent. He knew just how -far he could go with Homer Johnson without getting into trouble, and it -is doubtful if he would have risked that “old timer” had they not been -separated by a row of seats and their occupants. Homer was a senior -and Tommy still no more than a sophomore, although others who had been -his classmates last year were now juniors. Homer frowned but contented -himself with “Shut up, Tommy!” delivered sharply. Tommy smiled -placidly and slowly returned his gaze to the peanut bag. - -“Crazy kid,” commented Freeman Naughton, grinning as soon as Tommy’s -head was turned away. “I’ve wanted to kill him fifty times since I’ve -been here!” - -“He’d have been dead long ago if I’d yielded to my desire,” chuckled -Homer. “Tommy bears a charmed life, I guess. Gets away with stuff that -would get another fellow kicked from here to State street. Did you hear -what he got off on Jonas the other day? He and another fellow were -passing in front of Upton and the ball got away from him just as Jonas -came along and Tommy yelled, ‘Thank you, Jonas!’ Well, you know the way -Jonas moves when he isn’t playing football. He ambled along and picked -up the ball and looked at it and finally tossed it back, and Tommy -yelled, ‘Say, listen! I want to ask you something! Is your name Jonas -Lowe or is it Jonah Slow?’ I guess Jonas wanted to slaughter him, but -he let him live.” - -Naughton--he went by the name of “Naughty,” naturally enough--chuckled. -“The cheekiest thing he ever did, though, was in our freshman year. I -guess I told you.” - -“About Kincaid?” - -“Yes. Kincaid had wandered off the lesson, the way he does, and was -telling the class something he’d seen in Rome or some place; something -about some ruins; and Tommy pipes up with: ‘Mr. Kincaid, haven’t those -ruins been there a long time?’ ‘Why, yes, Parish,’ says Kincaid, ‘some -thousands of years.’ ‘Then,’ says Tommy sweetly, ‘maybe they’ll keep, -sir, if we go on with the lesson.’” - -The quarter came to an end with the score still 6 to 3, the teams -changed goals and Mr. Cade, the coach, familiarly known as Johnny, -hustled a set of bedraggled substitutes from the bench and sent them -trotting in to report. Jake, the trainer, wrapped the deposed ones in -dry blankets and circulated an already soiled towel about on which they -wiped their wet faces. The game started off on its final period with a -new backfield, save for Galvin, at full, and two new linemen. Southport -introduced two fresh ends, but made no other changes. Southport made a -determined drive for the Alton goal and got the pigskin as far as the -twenty-eight yards, where, after two attempts at the Gray-and-Gold’s -line had yielded scant returns, and a short forward-pass had gone -wrong, her left half dropped back and tried to duplicate his feat of -the first quarter. But this time he was hurried and the ball slanted -off to the left and passed well beyond the goal post. Storer punted on -second down and Southport got the pigskin again on Alton’s forty-six. -Once more she tried desperately to reach a point from which to score by -kicking. A wide sweep gained but two yards and a smash straight at the -center of the line was good for as many more. Then, however, a puzzling -double pass sent a back inside Dozier, at left tackle, and the runner -dodged and twirled to the thirty-three before he was nailed by Ball, -the Alton quarter-back. - -Again Southport tried the ends, first one and then the other, and the -ball went out of bounds on the second play. With about twenty-eight -to go on a third down and the ball well to the side of the gridiron, -a place-kick looked unpromising, and when the visitor set the stage -for it Alton was incredulous. Warnings of a forward-pass were cried, -but when the ball went back it sped straight to the kneeling quarter -and was set to the ground. The kicker was deliberate and Chick Burton, -slipping past the defense, almost blocked the ball, but it passed him -safely, sailed up and over the cross-bar and added another three points -to Southport’s score and tied the game. - -Alton didn’t have a chance to better her figures during the few minutes -that remained. Southport, evidently as pleased with results as if she -had won, set herself on the defensive and held the enemy safely away -from her goal. The stand was almost empty by the time the last whistle -blew. In the front row of seats, however, Tommy Parish still huddled, -arising at last with a sigh of repletion and a deluge of peanut shells -to the ground. Then, sinking his neck into the collar of his sweater -and his moist hands into the pockets of his baggy breeches, he turned -from the scene of conflict and made his way back across the soggy field -toward Upton Hall. Ahead, the tired players plodded along by twos and -threes, blankets trailing, subdued and disgruntled. Toward the end of -the procession Coach Cade’s short, thick-set figure walked beside that -of Captain Lowe. Jonas was almost six feet tall and correspondingly -broad, and walked with a lumbering pace that added to the contrast -between him and Johnny. The gymnasium swallowed them up and Tommy went -on, passing within smelling distance of the kitchens in Lawrence Hall -and sniffing the air eagerly. This was a Saturday, and generally on -Saturdays the evening meal was extremely satisfactory. Tommy almost -regretted those peanuts. Still, nearly an hour must elapse before he -would be allowed to assimilate more food, and Tommy’s recuperative -powers were of the best. He reached the walk between Borden and Upton, -turned to the right and presently disappeared into the latter dormitory. - -Up in Number 30 Tommy removed his outer garments, swathed his rotund -form in a garish blanket dressing-gown and subsided on the window-seat, -piling the several silken pillows behind his head. The view was not -cheerful just now. Through the mist-covered panes Tommy looked across -the Yard, damply green of turf, to Academy street and the white -residences beyond. There were few persons in sight. Up the middle -path came a figure in a shining yellow oil-skin coat, snuggling a -package under an arm; one of the fellows returning from a shopping -expedition, apparently. Tommy wondered whether the contents of the -package were edible. A few forms moved along Academy street, citizens -with umbrellas these. To the right, near the Meadow street side of the -Yard, a light appeared in Doctor McPherson’s house. (“Mac” was the -principal.) Occupying a corresponding position across the wide expanse -of maple dotted turf, Memorial Hall emitted two fellows carrying books -from the school library. Tommy watched them idly as they followed -the walk which led them to the front of Academy Hall. As they passed -Upton he recognized the taller of the two and had half a mind to raise -the window and exchange insults. But the effort was too great and he -contented himself with tapping a pane with the seal ring he wore. -Evidently the sound didn’t carry, for the youths disappeared from his -range of vision without looking up. - -At Alton Academy the dormitories form a line across the top of the -campus: Haylow first, near Meadow street, then Lykes, then--with -Academy Hall intervening--Upton and Borden. Back of Academy is -Lawrence, which is the dining hall, and well over toward River street, -hiding behind Borden, is the Carey Gymnasium. The land descended gently -each way from the dormitory row, in the front toward Academy street and -the town, in the rear toward the open country. On the latter slope, a -slope too gradual to really deserve the name, was the athletic field, -with the quarter-mile track, diamonds, tennis courts and sufficient -territory besides for the accommodation of such mildly important bodies -as the soccer and lacrosse teams. Like many New England preparatory -schools, Alton possessed an appearance of age out of proportion with -fact, an appearance largely due to the maples that shaded the walks and -the ivy that grew almost to the eaves of the older buildings. Not that -Alton was a new school, for it was not, but it was younger than many; -younger, even, than its principal rival, Kenly Hall, over at Lakeville. - -Tommy was getting quite drowsy now and would probably have fallen -comfortably asleep if Billy Pillsbury hadn’t selected the moment -for his homecoming. Billy, generally called “Pill” was sixteen, a -sophomore--although, unlike Tommy, he was new at it--and held the proud -and important position of Second Assistant Football Manager. Pill was -a slight, pink-cheeked, trim-looking youth, with dark hair swept back -from a classic brow and held swept by some fragrant concoction that -Tommy found particularly nauseating--or pretended to. Pill entered with -the aspect of one wearied by the weight of authority imposed on him and -sank into a chair. Tommy viewed him without enthusiasm. - -“Gee, what a day!” sighed Pill. - -“Yes, rotten,” responded the other, carefully misunderstanding. -“Doesn’t look much like clearing, either.” - -“Oh, the weather!” Pill put that aside with a wave of a slender hand. -“I meant the--the work. And that game! Say, wasn’t that criminal, -Tommy?” - -“Sure was. Every fellow on the team deserves hanging.” - -“Oh, I don’t know,” protested Pill. “They’re all right. Trouble is, -they haven’t had enough practice, Tommy.” - -“Why not? Ten days ought to give them some idea of the game!” - -“They weren’t any worse than Southport.” - -“What of it? Last year we licked Southport something like 23 to 0. And -the year before by-- Well, I forget what it was.” - -“I don’t,” returned Pill triumphantly. “It was 6 to 6, the same as -to-day. And that year we licked Kenly, and last year we didn’t! So you -can’t prove that the team’s going to be rotten that way!” - -“I’m not saying it’s going to be rotten,” answered Tommy placidly. “All -I say is that it was rotten to-day. Look at the way Burton played, for -instance. He had three chances with forward-passes and missed every one -of them. Touched them all, too. Why, we’d have had a touchdown any time -if he could have frozen onto just one of them!” - -“Chick was sort of out of tune,” acknowledged Pill. “He’s been that way -ever since work started. Looks to me as if he was still sore about the -captaincy.” - -“Think so?” Tommy looked interested. “Say, I’ll bet you’re _tres_ -right! I thought he and Jonas Lowe weren’t acting awfully thick!” - -“Oh, they get on all right,” said Pill. “Still, I do think that Chick -was awfully disappointed last winter. Maybe you can’t blame him, -either. Why, I’d have bet my shirt that they’d make him captain, Tommy!” - -“Yes, so would I, I guess. The trouble with Chick Burton is that he’s a -mighty pleasant guy, and most every one likes him a lot and all that. -But when it comes to choosing a leader, why, Chick doesn’t--er--inspire -confidence. That’s the way I get it, and I guess that’s the way the -team felt last December. It was a surprise, though, when they elected -Lowe. Guess Jonas was as surprised as any one, even Chick. Think he -will make a good captain, Pill?” - -“Jonas?” Pill looked frankly dubious. “Gee, I don’t know, Tommy. He’s a -corking old scout, and the fellows like him well enough; and he knows -a lot about football; his own position and the other chap’s; but it -doesn’t seem to me that he’s what you’d call a born leader.” - -“Huh, neither is Chick.” - -“Yes, he is, too! Chick’s the--the slap-bang, hit-or-miss sort that--” - -“Mostly miss to-day,” interpolated Tommy. - -“--that fellows take to. He may be wrong, but he makes you think he’s -right. And he has--well, dash, you know; and a jolly way of banging -into everything; sort of a ‘Come on, gang, let’s go!’ fashion that -wins the crowd. What I think about Chick is that if he had made the -captaincy he’d have been a poor leader, Tommy, but every one would have -forgiven him and, if we’d lost to Kenly, would have said: ‘Well, it -wasn’t Chick Burton’s fault! It was just rotten luck!’” - -“He’s sure got a pal in you,” said Tommy. “I didn’t know you two were -so _amical_.” - -“Your French is rotten, as usual. We aren’t very friendly, either, for -that matter. I mean, I don’t know him very well. Say, that’s a funny -thing about Chick Burton. He gets on finely with every one, but you -never see him chummy with a soul. Ever notice that?” - -“Oh, I don’t know. What about Hollins? He and Chick look to be pretty -thick.” - -“Well, they room together, you know, and I heard they were pals before -they came here. But outside of Bert Hollins he doesn’t take up with any -fellow, so far as I see.” - -Tommy chuckled reminiscently. “You ought to have seen the pained look -on Bert’s face this afternoon when I razzed Chick once for missing a -throw! Say, that poor nut thinks Chick invented football, I guess.” - -Pill, having finally set about the task of removing his damp clothing, -chuckled as he kicked off a shoe. “I’ll bet! Bert thinks Chick is just -about all right, I guess. Talk about Damon and Pythias!” - -“Well, I fancy it’s a bit one-sided,” replied Tommy pessimistically. -“Friendships generally are.” - -“Oh, I don’t know. Chick’s a senior and could have gone into Lykes this -fall if he’d wanted to. But he stayed here in Upton so’s he could be -with Bert. That looks like he thought a good deal of him, doesn’t it?” - -“Maybe and peradventure,” Tommy yawned. “Hurry up and get dressed. I’m -starved. I see Bert’s still trying to play football. This is his third -season, isn’t it?” - -“Second. He’s a junior. I dare say he will make the team this year. He -told me the other day that he’d put on seven pounds since last fall. -He isn’t a bad player. He might have got placed last fall if he hadn’t -been so light. Johnny had him in a few minutes to-day, at the last.” - -“Well, I’d like to see him make it,” said Tommy reflectively. “He’s -sure tried hard and long, and I’m strong on the nil desperandum stuff, -Pill. Who do we play next week?” - -“Banning High. Bet you you’ll see a different game next Saturday, -Tommy.” - -“If I don’t,” responded the other, “I’ll ask for my money back! Say, -_pour l’amour de Michel_, do we eat or don’t we?” - - - - -CHAPTER II - -BERT REFUSES AN INVITATION - - -“Want to play some pool?” asked Chick. - -Bert leaned back in the chair and caressed the end of his straight nose -with the rubber tip of his pencil. “Depends,” he replied. “If you mean -at that evil-smelling dive you dragged me into last week the answer is -no, Chick.” - -“What’s the matter with Mooney’s?” demanded the other. “He’s got the -best tables in town.” - -“I know, but the smoke’s so thick there you could cut it with a knife, -and it makes my eyes smart. That’s why you beat me last time.” - -“Shucks, a little smoke won’t hurt you. Come on. Besides, when a fellow -can’t smoke himself a little of the aroma of the weed isn’t so bad.” - -“Maybe, but I noticed the last time that it sort of made you -absent-minded, Chick.” - -“How do you mean? Oh, that! Shucks, one cigarette at this stage of the -game doesn’t matter. We weren’t really in training last Saturday, any -way.” - -Bert Hollins smiled and shook his head. “That’s a punk alibi, Chick. -Suppose some one had happened to look in? There’d been the dickens to -pay.” - -“Some one being Johnny Cade?” asked Chick, grinning. “Johnny doesn’t -frequent that part of town, old son. Don’t look so blamed virtuous -or I’ll punch your head. Anyway, I’m off the things until we quit -training.” - -“Which being so,” said the other, “you’d better get rid of the box in -your top drawer. They might tempt you, Charles, beyond your power of -resistance.” - -“Say, how come you’ve been snooping through my chiffonier? Hang it, -Bert, you’ve got a cheek!” - -“Wait a minute! Did you or didn’t you ask me to get you a handkerchief -one day and drop it out the window to you? And was or wasn’t said -handkerchief in said top drawer of said--” - -“Oh, shut up,” said Chick, grinning. “All right, old son. Say no more. -But trust you to see the fags! As to getting rid of them, that would be -rotten extravagance, Bert. No, but I’ll stick ’em out of sight where I -won’t see ’em. How’ll that do? But, listen. Will you shoot some pool, -or won’t you, you poor fish?” - -“Won’t,” answered Bert. “That is, I will if you’ll play in a -respectable place, but I don’t like the atmosphere of Rooney’s--” - -“Mooney’s.” - -“Looney’s, then. And I’m not referring entirely to the tobacco smoke. -A lot of the gentlemen who frequent that dive are the sort that my -Sunday school teacher expressly warned me against, Chick.” - -“Oh, cut out the comedy stuff,” growled the older boy. “Come on, won’t -you? You don’t have to pay any attention to the others. I’ll give you a -handicap of--” - -“No, thanks, old man, I really had rather not. Anyway, I’ve got some -math here that will stand an hour’s work.” - -“Do it later. Great Scott, don’t you know this is Saturday night?” - -“Sure, but I sort of feel in the mood for math, Chick. A--a kind of -mental alertness possesses me, and although--” - -“Oh, go to thunder!” said Chick shortly, and pulled a cap on his head. -“The next time I ask you, you’ll know it, you blamed Miss Nancy.” - -“Them’s hard words,” murmured Bert. “What time you coming back?” - -“Some time before ten. Why?” - -“Just wondered if you recalled the fact that you’re supposed to be in -bed by that hour.” - -“_What?_ Who said so? Johnny hasn’t started that stuff yet, has he?” - -“Even so, Chick. He specifically mentioned his wishes no later than -yesterday. Every one in bed by ten sharp, were his words.” - -“Well, he’s got a crust,” Chick declared. “That’s mid-season stuff. -How’s he get that way?” - -“I really can’t say, but, joking aside, Charles, do try to be home by -nine-thirty or thereabouts, eh? These late hours--” - -“Oh, shut up!” With his hand on the door, Chick made a final and -pathetic appeal. “Be a good guy, Bert, won’t you? Listen, we’ll go to -that place on West street, if you can’t stand Mooney’s.” - -Bert waved the pencil in dismissal. “Run along to your disreputable -acquaintances, Chick. Fact is, I’m not feeling lucky to-night. Besides, -I got a slam on the shin this afternoon that tells me I wouldn’t enjoy -tramping a couple of miles around a table. Some other time, O Wizard of -the Cue.” - -“Honest, you make me sick!” The door shut with some force, leaving -Bert smiling at it. He rather enjoyed ragging Chick, and Chick, while -he sometimes became exasperated, never lost his temper. Not with Bert, -that is. For one thing, they had known each other ever since they had -begun to walk; or, at least, since Bert had, for Chick, who was a full -year older, had probably found the use of his legs first. They had -grown up together in Watertown, adventured together, gone to school -together, had been practically inseparable for some fifteen years. -Chick had a temper, although it was pretty well governed, but save in -the very earliest years of their acquaintance he had never been really -angry with Bert. Perhaps his year of seniority had something to do -with it, for, although Bert could be trying at times, Chick considered -that the other’s youth excused him. Each of the boys made a good deal -of that thirteen months of difference in their respective ages. Chick -had always assumed an elder brother attitude, Bert had always accepted -the position of junior unquestioningly, crediting Chick with superior -wisdom and all the advantages popularly supposed to accrue to those of -great age and experience. Always, that is, until very recently. Within -the last year, it seemed, the matter of age had become less important. -Possibly, as sometimes happens, Bert had matured more in that time -than Chick had. Whereas a year back the older boy had held the rôle of -mentor, now it was Bert who sought to guide Chick’s steps. Sometimes a -slightly puzzled look would come into Chick’s countenance, indicating -that he was sensible of a difference in their relations and hadn’t yet -fathomed it. - -In general appearance the friends were not unalike. Both were fairly -tall, well-proportioned youths, Bert slimmer and lighter than Chick but -not destined to remain so much longer. Both were dark of complexion, -Chick with gray eyes and Bert with brown. On the score of good looks -the older boy held an advantage, for his features were regular, while -Bert’s, with the single exception of a straight nose, were decidedly -haphazard. Still, expression counts more than features, as a general -thing, and both scored there, although in different fashions. Chick’s -face told of high spirits and vivacity and thirst for adventure, and -a ready, careless smile won friendship easily. On occasion that smile -could be a bit supercilious. Bert’s countenance was normally rather -grave, although if one looked closely there was generally a glint of -laughter lurking in the brown eyes. It was a friendly countenance, but -not an ardent one. Bert’s smile was slow to appear, but it was very -genuine and was usually followed by a rather infectious laugh. - -Before Chick’s footfalls had entirely died away beyond the closed -door that smile had faded to an expression of uneasiness. Bert had -joked about Mooney’s and the frequenters of Mooney’s, about the -cigarettes and the ten o’clock bed hour, but those things were really -threatening to cause him some concern. Chick was different this fall, -he reflected now, jabbing tiny holes in a blotter with the sharp point -of the pencil. Perhaps being a senior made you that way. Football, -which had been an all-absorbing interest to Chick last year and the -year before that, now seemed to have small appeal for him. Of course, -Chick had felt badly about missing the captaincy last winter; had, in -conversation with Bert, been rather bitter about it; but this present -careless, don’t-give-a-whoop attitude toward the team and his job on -it was unexpected. Last year, for instance, Chick wouldn’t have smoked -a cigarette during the season if some one had offered him cigarette, -match and a thousand dollars! Nor would he have protested against the -ten o’clock bed rule. And--Bert shook his head at this reflection--he -wouldn’t have played as listlessly as he had played this afternoon. -To Bert, who had been trying two seasons for a position on the team, -the honor of being selected from among some four hundred fellows to -represent Alton Academy on the football field was something to work for -and make sacrifices for and, if won, to be mighty proud of! - -Perhaps Chick was too sure of his position, Bert reflected. Last -year he had played a rather remarkable game toward the latter part -of the season and had been largely instrumental in securing the -lone touchdown which, with a field-goal by Nip Storer, one of the -half-backs, represented Alton’s earnings in the disastrous Kenly Hall -contest. Chick had been wonderful on defense and had spoiled more than -one Kenly dash in the direction of the Alton line. On attack he had -performed his share, too, for it was his catch of a long forward-pass -that had made it possible for Jim Galvin, substituting for the -first-string full-back in the second quarter, to smash his way across -the Cherry-and-Black’s line. Chick had been a fine and gallant warrior -that day, and Bert warmed toward him at the recollection until his -present shortcomings seemed of no importance. It had been Chick, too, -who had swooped down on a loose ball in the last few minutes of the -game and raced off up the long field, dodging, side-stepping, twirling, -to the enemy’s twelve yards before he was pulled down from behind. -That Alton had failed lamentably to gain a foot on the next four plays -detracted not at all from Chick’s heartening performance. Indeed, that -brief threat had somehow made the pill of defeat less bitter to the -Gray-and-Gold that drizzling November evening. Kenly Hall had won that -contest by 16 to 9 with a team that was a better all-around eleven than -Alton’s. The latter had shown fine moments, feats of brilliance, daring -plays, but Kenly had been steady, machine-like, irresistible, and -the victory had been hers deservedly. Bert brought his thoughts back -from that thrilling battle, in which he had taken part for just three -minutes and forty seconds at the tag-end, thereby winning the privilege -of wearing the “Big Gold A,” and resolutely drew his book toward -him. Mr. Hulman, the mathematics instructor, was a new member of the -faculty, and seemed set on emulating the new broom and sweeping clean. -Bert laid his pencil aside, placed elbows on desk and hands against -cheeks and set out to discover what it was all about. - -After a while the pencil came into play again, and still later Bert -closed the book with a sigh of relief, pushed it away from him and -glanced at his watch. It was only a few minutes after eight! There was -still time to pick up some fellow along the corridor and get to the -movie theater for the big picture, but after a tentative start toward -the closet to get his cap he shook his head and sank into an easy -chair. Saturday evening was no time to find an agreeable companion. All -the fellows save those Bert didn’t desire as companions would be out. -He decided to write a letter home instead, performing a task usually -done on Sunday. He began to think what he would write, and that was -fatal, for half an hour later he was still in the chair, his thoughts -a long way from the letter. In the end, he found a book which he had -started to read away back in August, undressed, went to bed and read. -He was still reading when Chick returned. - -“Hello,” said Bert, “what time is it?” - -Chick frowned. “For the love of Pete, cut that out,” he protested. -“Honest, Bert, you’re getting to be an awful nagger!” - -“Sorry,” said Bert. “I asked only because I’ve been reading and haven’t -any idea what time of night it is.” He sat up and looked at the little -clock on the nearer chiffonier. It was four minutes past ten according -to the clock, but as the latter was frequently wrong he didn’t accept -the evidence as conclusive. He laid back again, yawned, dropped -the book to the floor and clasped his hands under his head. Chick, -undressing, whistled cheerfully; almost too cheerfully Bert thought. -“Have a good game?” the latter asked presently. - -“Corking. I certainly made the old balls do tricks to-night. Played -three games of fifty points and won two of them. Had to go some to get -the last one, though. That’s why I’m sort of late.” - -“Who did you play with?” asked Bert. - -“Fellow named Devore.” - -“Devore? Guess I don’t know him. Not in school, is he?” - -“No, he’s a guy lives in town. Works with the railroad, I think. Pretty -decent sort and a clever lad with a cue. If I hadn’t been going mighty -well to-night I wouldn’t have got a game, I guess. Gosh, that place was -crowded, Bert!” - -“Rooney’s?” - -“No, Mooney’s, you coot!” Chick disappeared into the corridor in -slippers and dressing-gown. Bert stared at the ceiling a moment and -then got out of bed and consulted his watch. The little clock for once -was right to a minute. When Chick returned from the lavatory Bert was -apparently asleep and Chick turned out the light and got into bed. -Silence reigned for a minute or two. Then Chick asked softly: “Asleep, -Bert?” - -“No, are you?” - -“Sure! No, listen. Who do you suppose I met over on Meadow street, -coming home?” - -“Prince of Wales?” - -“No; Johnny.” - -After a moment Bert asked: “Did he see you?” - -“Of course he did,” replied the other impatiently. “Didn’t I say I met -him? Ran right into him, almost, in front of that laundry over there.” - -“Did he say anything?” - -“Nothing but ‘Ah, Burton!’ or something like that.” - -“What time was it, Chick?” - -“Ten, or nearly. The clock struck when I got to West street. Talk -about rotten luck! Why the dickens he was prowling around over there -at that time of night, goodness only knows! If he had stopped I’d have -given him a stall, but he just said ‘Ah, Burton’ in a kind of a funny -tone and kept right on. I think he had something in his hand; a bag, I -guess.” - -“Maybe he’s going home over Sunday. There’s a train about ten-twenty, I -think.” - -“That’s so.” Silence fell again in Number 21 and continued for several -minutes. Then Chick’s voice came once more. “Sort of wish I hadn’t run -into him, Bert.” - -“Me and you both,” agreed Bert. - -“Of course it’s blamed poppycock, that ten o’clock bed rule, but he’s -acting kind of snorty this fall and he may get on his ear about it. If -he does, by gosh, I’ll tell him I’m no kid freshman to have to go to -bed with the chickens!” - -“Sure! That will make it all right with him,” answered Bert. “He will -like that, Chick.” - -“Oh, well, hang it, a fellow’s got to have some fun! What’s the good of -going to bed at ten, anyway? You don’t get to sleep.” - -“Not if you keep on talking,” said Bert, yawning. - -“Gosh,” grumbled the other, “you could go to sleep at seven, I guess. -How long have you been in bed?” - -“Couple of hours.” - -“What, didn’t you go out at all?” - -“Uh-huh--I mean no! Say, for Pete’s sake, Chick, shut up and go to -sleep! How do you think I’m going to keep my schoolgirl complexion if -you go on jabbering?” - -“All right. But, just the same, I wish I’d come home by State street!” - -“Or started earlier,” murmured Bert. - -Chick glared resentfully across through the darkness but could think -of no appropriate retort. Then came unmistakable indications that his -room-mate was asleep. - - - - -CHAPTER III - -AN HUMBLE MEMBER - - -Chick--his full name, by the way, was Charles Sumner Burton--concluded -on Monday that Coach Cade’s preoccupation in the matter of getting to -the station in time for his train Saturday night had kept him from -realizing the other’s offense. Of course, being a trifle late into bed -was no hanging matter, but Johnny had been more than usually strict -during the ten days or so of school, and Chick had no wish to be called -down. Johnny was mild-mannered and soft-spoken enough when things went -right, but when they didn’t he could be decidedly caustic. He was about -thirty years of age, a short, solidly-built, broad-shouldered and -deep-chested man with the blackest of black hair that reminded one of -the bristles on a shoe-brush. His countenance presented the not unusual -contrast of a smiling mouth and a fighting chin. Tradition had it that -some ten years before Johnny Cade had been a very difficult man to stop -when he had the ball in his arms and his head down! Chick believed -it, and it was far from his plan to interpose any sort of opposition -between Johnny and his desires. - -Besides, Chick liked Mr. Cade a whole lot. In a way of speaking, Johnny -had made a football player of Chick during the last two years. Of -course Chick didn’t give all the credit to the coach; he felt that he -himself had contributed largely to the result; but he did acknowledge a -considerable obligation and was correspondingly grateful. Chick liked -him for other reasons, too, which were the reasons that swayed most of -those who knew Johnny. The coach was acknowledgedly square, quite as -prompt and generous with praise as with blame; if he worked his charges -hard, he set the pace himself; he was easy of approach, liked a joke -and never took advantage of his authority, which was that of a faculty -member. In short, he was, in school parlance, a “white man.” He had -been in charge of the Alton teams for a number of years and had turned -out winning elevens in most of them. There was a rumor current this -fall to the effect that the end of the present season would likewise -be the end of Johnny’s coaching career, but the report lacked official -confirmation and the School hoped it wasn’t correct. - -That Monday afternoon was largely given over to the first principles of -football, which was one way of informing those who had taken part in -the Southport game that their labors had not been wholly satisfactory. -About sixty fellows had reported since the beginning of the term and -these were divided into three squads at present: Squad A, which -consisted of nineteen players who had served on the First Team last -year; Squad B, which contained the members of the former Second Eleven -and a few fellows who had shown promise on the various scrub teams, and -Squad C, composed of those whose ambition excelled their experience and -a half-dozen or so who had entered school this fall and who were as yet -unknown quantities. But to-day, whether you were a Squad A or a Squad -C man, you tackled the dummy until you were thoroughly covered, even -impregnated, with the still-damp loam of the pit, passed and caught and -fell on the ball in the most rudimentary manner and, if you happened to -be a candidate for a line position, duck-waddled and, with your head -and shoulders thrust into the charging harness, did your best to drag -two restraining youths with you over the slippery turf. If you happened -to have to set your heart on holding down a backfield position you were -spared the harness but worked just as hard at starting and at various -other tasks cunningly devised to teach celerity, accuracy and the rest -of the football virtues. - -There are always those who resent what, in class room, would be termed -review work. To a fellow who had played against Kenly Hall for two -seasons, being returned to the drudgery of kindergarten stuff was -a ridiculous imposition in the judgment of several of the Squad A -members. Chick was among those who resented the imposition, but he -showed his resentment less than most of the others. He had a hunch that -it might be just as well not to court the limelight this afternoon, -that if he could survive practice without coming to the notice of the -coach he would not be likely to awaken memories, memories dating back -to Saturday night at some four minutes to ten o’clock! So Chick, albeit -his soul revolted, ground his face into the dirt and filled his ears -with it at tackling practice and maintained a cheerful countenance, -abstaining, even when at the end of the waiting line farthest from Mr. -Cade, from joining in the grumbles and sarcasms delivered in guarded -tones. - -To an unbiased onlooker it might have appeared that the smiling, -shock-haired man in the faded and torn sweater and the old khaki -trousers had some reason for trundling the stuffed effigy along the -wire for the benefit of Squad A, because, after all, quite a few -members of that coterie performed extremely poorly at the task of -wrapping their arms about the dummy and dragging it to earth, and not -much better at throwing their bodies in front of it in blocking. In -fact, those who appeared to have really mastered these sciences were -to be counted on the fingers of two hands, omitting the thumbs! Even -Captain Jonas Lowe, who, with Andy Dozier, left tackle, towered inches -above all the others and looked the perfect football lineman, failed -to win commendation to-day; a fact which aided Chick considerably to -endure the indignity put upon him. Chick had not yet forgiven Jonas for -winning the captaincy over his head, something which, of course, Jonas -wasn’t in the least to blame for, although if you had charged Chick -with harboring resentment at this late day he would have denied the -allegation indignantly. He would probably have felt rather insulted. -Certainly he would have reminded you that he had himself put the motion -to make Jonas’s election unanimous, and he would have pointed out that -he and the new captain were the best of friends. The latter assertion -would, however, have been only negatively true. That is to say, he and -Jonas were friends merely to the extent of never being unfriendly, -which constitutes a relationship somewhat different from that implied -by Chick. Whether Jonas realized that Chick still begrudged him the -leadership of the team, would have been hard to say, but it was -perfectly apparent that if he did realize it he was not in the least -troubled about it. There was something rather Jovian about the big, -cumbersome, placid Jonas. You got the impression of one gazing calmly -down from Olympus, untroubled by petty mortals and their affairs. - -Of those who did win a word of praise from Johnny Cade this afternoon -one was Bert Hollins. There were quite a few things in the line of -football essentials that Bert was good at, and tackling, whether of -the dummy or a hard-running enemy, was one of them. Bert’s relation to -the team was somewhat peculiar. Last season, after trying very hard -to make the Second until well into October, he had succeeded only in -getting hurt in his third scrimmage. He had attended practice with a -crutch under his left arm for a week and watched it from the bench for -nearly a week more. Then, almost before he had limbered that injured -knee up again, there had come a demand from the First for a light, -fast backfield man and Mr. McFadden, coach of the Scrubs, had sent -Bert across on approval. That had been a big moment in the boy’s life, -that sudden elevation to the First Team, and he had tried desperately -hard to make good. In a manner he had succeeded, for he had shown -about everything except weight and experience. One without the other -might have served, but together they kept him in the background. He -played in two of the late-season contests and won good words, and, as a -reward, was sent in by the coach near the end of the big game to earn -his letter. There had been no opportunity for a signal display of -brilliancy. He had not seized the ball and dashed sixty or seventy or -eighty yards down the field for a touchdown and consequent victory. - -None of the thrilling, dramatic feats which story tellers love to -relate, and which sometimes really are performed, fell to his portion. -As a matter of unromantic fact, he had the ball but once and lost -better than two yards in an ill-advised attempt to knife through inside -tackle. Better men than he had repeatedly failed at that play already. -He emerged from that fray with no more glory than he had entered, but -he had at least emerged a full-fledged member of the Alton Academy -Football Team, with the right to wear a big golden-yellow A on his -gray sweater, a tiny yellow football on his cap and a gray-gold-gray -ribbon on his straw hat in summer. There were other privileges and -benefits, too, although of secondary importance. For instance, he could -reserve four seats in the center of the stand for the Kenly games, he -could cast a vote in the election of captain--a prerogative he had -subsequently exercised--and his countenance, together with some thirty -other countenances, would grace the wall of the gymnasium for posterity -to gaze upon with awe--or boredom. - -Bert was mighty proud of his membership, but his satisfaction was -dulled by the suspicion that he didn’t really deserve the honor. There -were fellows--he could think of half a dozen, perhaps--who played -better football than he did and who had not won the coveted A. In -short, Bert secretly looked on himself as a Letter Man in name only! -But he meant to correct all that. This fall he was going to deserve -the prize he had won. He was going to try so blamed hard that success -simply wouldn’t be able to escape him! He had added several pounds -since last winter and at least an inch of height, and he had handled -a football nearly every day during the summer, generously obeying Mr. -Cade’s injunction to the members of the squad. If all the milk he had -drunk and all the eggs he had eaten could have been mixed together the -result would have been an omelet as big as--well, I don’t know how -big. But I do know that in August Bert’s mother had to call the family -physician in to advise a bilious boy to omit eggs from his diet for -the rest of the summer. Perhaps what had kept Bert from attaining the -height of Captain Jonas and the rotundity of Lum Patten by the middle -of September was the fact that when he wasn’t throwing or kicking a -football around he was playing tennis or swimming. - -No matter how he figured it, Bert couldn’t make himself out better -than a third-choice substitute half-back. Storer, Ness, Savell, Keys -and Tyron were the mainstays, and then there were at least three -other backfield candidates who, in Bert’s estimation at least, were -held in higher esteem than he. And goodness only knew who else might -suddenly spring into the spot-light before the season was over! Well, -if hard work and the most determined efforts would avail he meant -to land considerably nearer the head of the list than he was now. -What he feared more than all else was a repetition of last fall’s -catastrophe. He was light and so subject to rude handling, and last -season’s experience had proved how surprisingly easy it was to get -hurt. Why, he had merely stumbled over some fellow’s legs and been out -of the game for almost a fortnight with a wrenched knee! Even as late -as early summer the silly thing had twinged him occasionally, although -he had been careful not to mention the fact. He believed it to be as -good as ever now, but he was haunted by the fear that it might not -be, that he would hurt it again and be laid off. Being laid off was a -fatal thing sometimes. Like time and tide, football seasons wait for -no one, and more than one poor fellow on the injured list has watched -a hale substitute run off with his position under his very eyes. Fear -of another injury to that left knee or to some other portion of his -anatomy was threatening to become an obsession, although he didn’t -realize it. - -Going back to Upton after practice was over, Bert asked Chick whether -Coach Cade had said anything about Saturday night. Chick laughed. “Not -a word, old scout. Know what I think? Well, I think he was so taken up -with getting that train that he forgot all about seeing me. Anyway, he -didn’t say a word to-day. Didn’t even look cross-eyed at me!” - -“That’s luck,” said Bert. “Take my advice, Chick, and don’t get caught -again.” - -“Not going to, believe me. Another time I’ll come home by River street, -even if it is longer. It’s a safe bet Johnny doesn’t wander around over -there!” - -“Maybe not, but the safest thing is to be in the dormitory by -nine-thirty, and that’s your play from now on. You can’t be quite -certain about Johnny. Maybe he’s forgotten about meeting you the other -night and maybe he hasn’t. I wouldn’t want to bet either way, Chick.” - -“Oh, well, he’s got too many other things to worry about, I guess. Say, -he had an awful cheek to work A Squad the way he did to-day. Regular -beginners’ stuff! Gosh, I’ve got more dirt in my hair than I’ll be able -to get out in a dozen shampoos. Funny thing was, though,” added Chick -as they started upstairs, “that we tackled the dummy like a lot of -pups!” - -“The tackling in the Southport game was pretty rotten,” said Bert. “I -don’t believe there were more than two clean tackles made by our gang, -Chick.” - -“And I made them both?” laughed Chick. “Thanks!” - -“You did not! You were as bad as any of them. Pete Ness made one -corking tackle the time he got that Southport guy over by the -side-line, and I think it was Billy Haines made the other. Generally we -just sort of tagged the other fellow on the shoulder and let him by!” - -“Well, you’ve got to be polite to your guests,” replied Chick, -grinning. “I did miss my tackles pretty awfully, though, and I know it -as well as you do, old scout. Fact is, Bert, I haven’t been playing -my real game yet. I guess it takes a fellow a week or so to get back -into harness, eh? Oh, by the way, I told Coles we’d be around to see -him this evening. He’s got some apples his folks sent him from New -Hampshire or somewhere and he wants them eaten up before they go bad. -He says the training table starts Wednesday evening, Bert.” - -“I wonder if I’ll get on it.” - -“Sure! Why not? At that, though, you’ll be lucky if you don’t. You get -beastly tired of the grub after about a month of it.” - -“I saw Mr. McFadden at the field to-day,” said Bert. “I guess they’ll -be starting the Scrub Team pretty soon.” - -“Next week, probably. Good thing, too, for the place is all littered up -over there now.” - -“I hope it doesn’t occur to Johnny to put me back where he got me,” -Bert observed ruefully. “I dare say fellows do get dropped to the -Second sometimes, don’t they?” - -“Yes, but I don’t think you need to worry about that. You’ll get along -all right, Bert. I have a hunch that Johnny’s going in for a fast -backfield this year, and when it comes to speed you’ve got it all over -some of the chaps. It was that lot of heavy, slow backs that spilled -the beans for us last year, if you make inquiry of me. Things went a -heap better in the last quarter, after some of those truck horses had -quit!” - -“I’d hate to go back to the Second,” mused Bert. - -“Gosh, you can find more things to worry about!” laughed the other. -“Last week you were afraid you were going to break a leg or something. -You’re the original calamity howler, Bert!” - -Bert smiled. “I suppose it’s because I want so hard to make good this -year, Chick,” he answered apologetically. - -“You’re going to, old scout, so buck up. Not that you’ve any right to -expect it, either. Most fellows don’t get a position nailed down until -their senior year.” - -“You did. And so did Lowe.” - -“Exceptions proving the rule, Bert. As for Jonas, I’ll say he played in -a good deal of luck last fall. If Peabody hadn’t gone bad on account of -studies and getting all worked up over the way Mac and the rest of the -Faculty nagged him there for a while Jonas would still be a sub, I’ll -bet. Mind you, Bert, I’m not saying he isn’t a good player when he gets -started, but no one would have discovered it if Dick had held his job. -Why, up to the Lorimer game or after Jonas was kicking his heels on the -bench more times than he was playing!” - -“Yes, I guess there was some luck in that,” acknowledged Bert. “But -Jonas certainly filled Peabody’s place mighty nicely after he got it. -Who’s going to make left end position this fall, Chick?” - -“Left end? Why, I guess Joe Tate’s pretty certain of it. Just as -certain as I am of right end.” Chick’s laugh suggested that there -wasn’t much doubt in his mind about that! - -“Kruger was awfully good Saturday for the little while he played,” said -Bert. - -“Oh, Dutch is good, too. One of the best. But I guess Joe’s got it -cinched. Where you’re going to see some surprises, though, before -Johnny has knocked the outfit into shape is between Joe and center. -Meecham won’t last at guard and I wouldn’t give an awful lot for Andy -Dozier’s chance at tackle. Unless I miss my guess Nat Wick will have -Meecham out of there inside of a fortnight.” - -“But Dozier’s a crackajack, Chick! Why, last year--” - -“All right, but what happened in the Kenly game? They ripped him to -pieces in just about twenty minutes, didn’t they?” - -“I heard he was sick. Some one said he was up in Patten’s room for an -hour that morning and Lum and two or three others were dosing him with -everything from hair oil to Seidlitz powders! I remember myself that he -looked like the dickens just before lunch.” - -“Funk, probably. I’ve seen fellows worse than he was before a big game. -They get over it by the time to start. Gosh, I’ve been sort of teetery -myself!” - -“You! Bet it was something you’d eaten then,” jeered Bert. “You’ve got -about as much--as much whatever it is as a goat!” - -“Is that so? I’ll have you understand that I’m a man of very -delicate--er--susceptibilities. Highly strung, nervous, you know. -Temperamental! That’s the old word I wanted.” - -“Put your coat on and let’s get over to supper,” said Bert. “You’re -saying things that don’t mean anything!” - - - - -CHAPTER IV - -THE MANAGER GIVES A PARTY - - -Coles Wistar’s room in Lykes, which he shared with Ted Ball, First Team -quarter-back, looked full to capacity when Chick and Bert arrived there -that Monday evening. Once inside, however, accommodations of a sort -could be discerned, and Chick crowded onto a bed and Bert squeezed in -between Anstruther and Tommy Parish on the window-seat. Coles Wistar -was Football Manager, and it was largely a football crowd which was -present. There were George Anstruther, familiarly “Judge,” and Billy -Pillsbury, assistant managers, Ted Ball, Hank Howard, Pete Ness, Jim -Galvin and Nip Storer, all of the Team. Tommy Parish was present -because Pill had brought him and no one had yet thrown him out. Homer -Johnson, who roomed with Captain Lowe, had brought Jonas’s regrets and -remained to partake of hospitality. These, with the host, Chick and -Bert, formed the party, a round dozen in all. - -Lykes Hall, reserved for the Senior Class Students, held fewer rooms -than the other dormitories, but, fortunately for Coles’ party, they -were larger than the rooms in Haylow or Upton or Borden, the latter -the Freshman domicile. Number 5 was well-furnished and attractive, for -Coles had excellent taste in such matters. There was a refreshing lack -of school and college pennants on the walls, this style of decoration -being represented by a single Alton banner hung above the double -windows. There were a good many pictures, most of them etchings, of -which Coles was a modest collector, a few framed photographs and one -lone trophy on the walls. The latter, placed above a closet door, was -a wooden panel some three feet long with a black, sanded background -against which gilt letters startlingly announced “EASTBOUND TRAINS.” It -was a memento of Ted Ball’s unregenerate freshman days, and although it -had always grated against Coles’ artistic sensibilities he had never -been able to persuade Ted to remove it. Ted acknowledged that it might -be a jarring note in the decorative scheme, but he had annexed that -trophy under extremely difficult circumstances, braving arrest and, -possibly, penal servitude, and, although nowadays self-condemnatory in -his explanation of its presence here, he was secretly very proud of -it. Ted was a rather stocky, bright-eyed chap of eighteen, fun-loving -and extremely popular at Alton. He was equally brilliant at studies -and as a quarter-back, a shining example to his team-mates which, -unfortunately, not many emulated. - -The particular host of the evening, Coles Wistar, was unlike his -room-mate in many ways. Coles was tall, with a thin face and lightish -hair, wore glasses and looked intellectual. He had spent a year at a -junior preparatory school near Boston before coming to Alton and had -managed to acquire the broad A and a Bostonese accent. You could always -make a hit with Coles by inferring that he came from the Hub, although -as matter of fact, he lived in a small village in New Hampshire. In -spite of one or two trifling affectations he was no fool and was an -unusually capable manager. Conversation, interrupted by the arrival of -Chick and Bert, gathered momentum again. Tommy Parish, it appeared, -had, in the terse phraseology of Hank Howard, been “shooting off his -mouth again.” - -“Says the Team’s the rottenest he’s seen since he came here,” explained -Hank to Chick. “The silly ass doesn’t know a thing about football, -anyway, but you’d think, to hear him go on--” - -“Pshaw,” began Chick, “why pay attention to that coot? He just likes -to hear himself--” But Tommy, even in the midst of Coles’ scathing -rejoinder, overheard and challenged Hank’s assertion. - -“All wrong, Howard. I know a heap more about football than most of you -guys who play it, or try to. Why wouldn’t I? All you fellows learn -is how to look after your own positions. You’re on the inside looking -cross-eyes at your own jobs. I’m on the outside looking in at the whole -works. Now let me--” - -“Muzzle him, somebody,” said Nip Storer. - -“Tie a can to him,” advised Jim Galvin. - -“Let the silly ass talk,” laughed Ted Ball. “Go on and tell ’em, Tommy.” - -“Sure.” Tommy looked entirely composed, quite unaffected by hostility. -Any one well acquainted with him--Pill, for instance--would have known -that he was having a thoroughly good time. “Sure I’ll tell them. Howard -says I don’t know anything about football. All right. I say I know more -about it than he does.” - -“Quit your kidding,” growled Hank. - -“He may know more or less about playing tackle, but I’ll bet he can’t -answer three questions I can put to him.” - -“What sort of questions?” demanded Hank suspiciously. - -“Questions on football. Questions covered by the rules which you’re all -supposed to know from A to Z, whether you’re a tackle or an end or a -back.” - -“Heck, I don’t pretend to have all the rules at my finger ends,” -protested Hank. “There are too many of them!” - -“Shoot ’em, Tommy,” said Jim Galvin. “Go on, kid.” - -“All right, but these are for Howard, mind. The rest of you keep out. -First, your side kicks, Howard. You are on-side. The opponent prepares -for a fair catch. You are nearer the ball than he is. What would happen -if you made the catch?” - -“I’d get socked ten or fifteen yards, of course,” answered Hank, “for -interfering with a free catch.” He spoke doubtfully, though, suspecting -a snag. - -“Hold on,” exclaimed Nip eagerly. “You said he was on-side!” - -“Keep out, you!” Tommy warned. There were chuckles from some of the -others and Hank looked harassed. - -“How could I be on-side, I’d like to know? Even if I was--” - -“Second question,” interrupted Tommy. “Your side has the ball ten yards -from the opponent’s goal line and on the fourth down makes a forward -pass over the line. You receive the pass. You stand with one foot on -the end line, but the ball reaches you a yard inside the zone and you -complete the pass. What about it?” - -Hank looked about for aid, but met only grinning countenances. “The -ball came down _inside_ the zone?” he asked cautiously. - -“A yard inside. You have to reach well out for it.” - -“If I catch it it’s all right,” said Hank. “You said I had my foot _on_ -the end line, not _over_ it. Anyway, if the ball was inside--” - -Ted’s chuckle unsettled him, and he scowled his annoyance. “Hang it, I -didn’t say I could answer all the catch questions you could think of! -Just the same, I’ll bet I’m right about that. Ain’t I, Ted?” - -“Third question,” said Tommy inexorably. - -“Oh, shut up! Answer your own fool questions!” - -“Behave, Hank!” admonished Coles. “Put the question, Tommy.” - -“You’re captain of your team, Howard, and the other side has the ball -between your fifteen and sixteen yards. One of your side is caught -holding and the umpire penalizes you fifteen yards. What would you do?” - -“What down was it?” asked Hank, mazed. “I mean, who had the ball?” - -“The opponent, on your fifteen and a half. One of your gang is caught -holding in the line and the ump socks you the penalty and puts the ball -forward fifteen yards from where it was put in play. You’re captain of -your team. Get it?” - -“Sure, but what can I do? The ball still belongs to the other fellow, -doesn’t it?” - -Several of the listeners were exchanging puzzled glances, while Hank’s -forehead was a network of wrinkles. Of the dozen there only Tommy and -Bert appeared serene, Tommy owlishly regarding his victim, Bert leaning -back against the window-sill wearing a faintly amused expression. “That -your answer?” inquired Tommy. - -“Gosh, I don’t understand what you’re getting at,” fumed Hank. “If my -side had the ball, all right, but you say it hasn’t. What would you -expect me to do, anyhow? Sass the umpire?” - -“Look here, Tommy,” broke in Jim Galvin, “I don’t get that any more -than Hank does. What’s the answer?” - -“I’ll tell you in a sec. First, how many of the questions did Howard -answer correctly?” - -“None, so far,” said Jim. “He doesn’t seem to have answered the last -one at all yet.” - -“Wait a minute!” Hank protested. “What was wrong with the first answer? -He asked--” - -“You could have caught the ball yourself, Hank, if you were on-side,” -said Ted. “Shut up a second. What’s the catch in the last one, Tommy?” - -“Why,” Tommy replied sweetly, “if I’d been captain instead of Hank I’d -have protested the placing of the ball half a yard from the goal line!” - -“Gee, that’s right!” exclaimed Chick. “It ought to have gone to the -one-yard line! Isn’t that right, Tommy?” - -“Right as rain, old dear.” - -“Oh, thunder,” growled Hank disgustedly, “no one’s expected to know all -the kinks! And, look here, you fellows, what was wrong with that one -about the forward-pass into the end zone? I was inside and the ball was -inside and I made the catch. I’ll bet I answered that one right!” - -“No, you didn’t, Hank,” laughed Ted. “Tommy said you had one foot on -the line. Rules say you mustn’t do it, see? On or over, either one, -queers you, Hank.” - -“That’s crazy! I’ll bet the rest of you didn’t know it, either! Gee, -I’d like to ask you guys a few!” - -“Go ahead,” advised Pill. “Show ’em up, Hank.” - -Hank looked grim for a moment, and it was plainly to be seen that he -was doing some hard thinking. Then, as expectant silence prolonged -itself, a slow grin overspread his face and he shook his head. “No -use,” he said, chuckling. “I can’t think of any!” - -“Well, it looks to me as though Tommy had won his point,” said -Anstruther. “So it behooves us to listen respectfully to his pleasant -criticisms of the Team. Go ahead, Tommy, and say your piece.” - -Tommy shrugged. “I’ve said it. I said this year’s team was the punkest -I’ve seen here, and I say it again.” - -“Well, you’ve seen quite a few,” remarked Chick, with a wink at Bert. -“How many years have you been here now, anyway, Tommy? This your fourth -or fifth?” - -“Third,” replied Tommy untroubledly amidst the laughter. “I saw last -year’s team and the team before that, and I’m seeing this thing you’ve -got here now, and I say it ain’t so good, fellows. Mind you, I’m saying -this for your benefit, not because I want to crab.” - -“Oh, no, you never crab, Tommy!” said Pill. - -“What,” asked Coles in a patient voice, “strikes you as being the -principal--ah--weakness?” - -“The players,” replied Tommy promptly, and allowed himself a wicked -grin. - -A howl of derision went up. Then Coles inquired with a pretense of vast -respect: “Are they all rotten, Tommy?” - -“Oh, no, there are three or four that look pretty good.” - -“Thank Heaven!” cried Ted. “We’ve got something to build on!” - -Chick, however, demanded scoffingly: “Say, for the love of Pete, who -gave you any license to set yourself up as a critic, Tommy? You’re -nothing but a fat loafer, and you know it. Cramming the football rules -doesn’t make you a judge of the game, youngster.” - -Perhaps it was the reference to a tendency toward obesity that got -under Tommy’s skin. In any case, his cheerful calm vanished and he -answered warmly: “If I’m fat, Burton, it’s not in my head! And it -doesn’t take a critic to see what a rotten game you’re playing, either!” - -“Lay off that stuff, Tommy!” ordered Coles severely. - -“So I’m fat-headed am I?” demanded Chick, reddening. “Say, you blamed -little fat rotter--” He thrust himself off the bed and took a step -toward the window-seat, but Ted interposed. - -“Calm yourself, Chick. Tommy doesn’t count. Besides, he didn’t mean -what he said, did you, you crazy ape?” - -“Sure, I did,” responded Tommy, once more master of his emotions. “He -_has_ got a swelled head and he _is_ playing rotten.” - -“If you can’t act like a gentleman--” began Coles angrily. - -“Oh, put him out,” called Nip Storer. - -Chick, held in subjection by Ted’s capable hand--it’s difficult to -get to your feet when some one is pushing against your chest--glared -wrathfully at Tommy. Tommy returned his gaze without a qualm. After -all, reflected Bert, beside him, he didn’t lack courage! - -“I really think you’d better beat it, Tommy,” advised Ted coldly. “You -are a pesky nuisance, anyway, and I don’t know who let you in.” - -“Then he goes, too,” said Tommy, nodding at the irate Chick. “He hadn’t -any call to say I was fat!” - -“So you are,” declared Chick hotly. “You’re a fat fool!” - -“Move both members be allowed to withdraw,” said Jim Galvin, grinning -enjoyably. - -“Seconded,” said Anstruther. “The secretary is directed to expunge the -remarks of both gentlemen--I mean rough-necks--from the records.” - -“Forget it, you two,” advised Ted. “Mutual apologies are in order. How -about it, Tommy? If you want to stay, son, you’d better behave.” - -“Do we get the apples?” asked Tommy soberly. - -“Sure,” Ted answered amidst laughter. - -“I apologize,” said Tommy. “Just the same--” But Bert’s elbow colliding -with his ribs interrupted his qualifying addenda. - -“All right,” agreed Chick, restored to better humor. “He isn’t fat. -He’s merely plump.” - -Tommy looked doubtful for a moment, but Coles pulled a box of apples -from under a bed and the doubt vanished. During the subsequent -half-hour Tommy was much too busy to indulge in what he termed -constructive criticism. No one counted the number of Northern Spies he -demolished, but it was considerable. Conversation proceeded briskly -but somewhat unintelligibly. In the middle of the feast “Dutch” Kruger -arrived, bearing a fat black case, and was hailed tumultuously. He -devoured two apples hastily, urged on by impatient watchers, and would -have started a third. But Jim Galvin deftly took the apple away from -him and substituted the black case. Dutch’s protests were drowned. -Good-naturedly he produced a shining saxophone. - -“‘Football Blues,’ Dutch!” - -“Aye! Attaboy, Dutch! I want to sing!” - -“What time is it?” asked Dutch anxiously. - -“Only nine. Lots of time, boy. Give us ‘The Football Blues.’” - -Dutch grinned, nestled the mouthpiece against his lips and blew. At the -same time he began to pat the floor with his feet and sway from his -hips. The saxophone nodded and curveted. Most of the assemblage broke -into song, tapping the floor, too, swaying as Dutch swayed. Tommy, a -large red apple in one hand, his eyes staring fixedly, hypnotically at -the musician, heaved his plump shoulders ludicrously. From across the -hall came an agonized wail of “_Cut that out!_” which, however, failed -to make itself heard in Number 5. Up and down the corridor doors were -set open and in more than one room a toiler at his books gave over -toiling for the while and pursed his lips. - -[Illustration: From across the hall came an agonized wail of “Cut that -out!”] - -The thing was a composition of Dutch’s own, words and music, and if -the rimes wouldn’t always bear inspection the tune was enough to make -you lenient. “The Football Blues” had made Dutch famous throughout -the school and he was much in demand. There were many verses, which -recounted the experiences of an ambitious youth essaying to play -football, but it was the chorus that made the hit. The saxophone wailed -and sobbed and yowled, Dutch’s eyes roamed from floor to ceiling, -ecstatically bright, and the crowd roared lustily from bodies that -swayed and shook. - - “They rolled me round in the mud and rain. - When I riz to my feet and yelled with pain - A big guy knocked me flat again! - They kicked my face and punched my nose, - They gouged my eyes and wrenched my toes - And from my back tore all my clothes! - The doctor came and said to me; - ‘You’re as fine a wreck as ever I see!’ - They bore me off on a window blind, - But they left a leg and an arm behind. - I wrote to the coach from the hospital: - ‘I’m going to live, but I’m far from well. - If I don’t report, sir, please excuse, - For I’ve got the Football Black-and-Blues, - The Blues, the Blues, the Black-and-Blues, - I’ve got the Football Black-and-Blues!’” - -They had to have all the verses, which were numerous, and after they -were exhausted Dutch played other melodies and the concert continued -until Coles warned that it was nine-thirty and, grabbing another apple -or two, the guests went off. On the way to Upton, Chick, recalling his -grievance, observed disgustedly: “I don’t see why Coles had to have -that pesky nuisance there. He’s the freshest kid in school. Gosh, some -one ought to turn him over and give him a good whaling!” - -“Tommy Parish? Yes, he is trying. He seems to love to start an argument -and get every one peeved. Funny chap.” - -“Funny? He’s crazy! The next time he gets fresh with me I’ll slap his -pudgy face, no matter where it is.” - -“Well, I guess you’d always find it in about the same place,” said -Bert. - - - - -CHAPTER V - -TOMMY MAKES A PREDICTION - - -Bert went to the training table with the more important members of the -squad on Wednesday, and, contrary to expectation, Mr. McFadden, Second -Team coach, gathered his charges together on Friday and started to whip -them into shape. While Bert had not actually feared being released to -the Scrub, he nevertheless experienced some relief when Mr. McFadden -began operations without him. The removal of the Scrub players from -the big squad made quite a difference about the First Team gridiron -and practice on Friday seemed more methodical. Bert had a long try-out -at half-back during the scrimmage and managed to show speed and clean -handling of the ball. But the plays used against the first-string -fellows were not of the sort calculated to advantage a light back, no -matter how fast, and Bert had small success when carrying the ball. -Fitz Savell, who played inside half, did much better, and after work -was over Bert tried in vain to believe that he had made an impression -on Coach Cade. - -Saturday Banning High School came and presented a light but snappy -opposition. In the first half the ball was seldom far out of Alton -territory, for Banning had developed a clever passing game last -season, by which she had scored twice on the Gray-and-Gold, and hadn’t -forgotten how to use it this fall. She had, too, a punter who managed -to get some five yards more than Nip Storer, who did the kicking in -the first half, and as a result of punts and passes Alton was placed -on the defensive early and kept there most of the time. Banning failed -to score, however, although a difference of a few inches would have -converted a failure into a field-goal in the second period. - -When the last half began Coach Cade used his second-string players -extensively; Kruger and Thomas and Wick at the left of center, Tifton -in Captain Lowe’s place, Lovell at quarter, Savell and Keys in the -half-back positions. Since the first-string men hadn’t been able to -more than hold the enemy in the first half, there were those among the -audience who censured the coach’s move. But Johnny had his own notions, -and he seldom bothered about what the School thought of his methods. -Here was an enemy strong enough to offer real opposition and yet of -slight importance as a rival. Usually the early season opponents were -unable to provide more than good practice for Alton; were, of course, -selected for that reason. But Banning, partly because of having held -over some seven or eight of last fall’s players, was well advanced, -while Alton, for some reason not so easily determined, was fully a -week behind normal development, and what had been looked on as an easy -contest had assumed the aspects of a real struggle. - -Coach Cade might have worked his best players through three periods and -made victory more probable, but he chose to risk defeat in order to -give the substitutes a taste of real battle. Since all the first-choice -men had played through to the whistle in the first half, they could -not be counted on for later aid, and Johnny must needs place full -dependence on his lesser heroes. When the third period started he still -had Patten at center, Haines at right tackle, Chick Burton at right -end, Ted Ball at quarter and Galvin at full-back, all members of the -Old Guard, but one by one they retired until by the time the second -half was five minutes along second- and third-string players held all -the positions. Since Banning was still using or could call on every man -who had begun the battle, the odds looked heavily in her favor. But -the Alton substitutes were old hands at the game and were not to be -dismayed by a high school team, especially a team against which several -of them had played last year and defeated, and Bus Lovell, who had -taken Ted Ball’s place, set about his task with fire and enthusiasm. -After Banning had kicked off and Larry Keys had run the ball back -nearly twelve yards, Bus began sending Couch back to punting position -and running his plays from that formation. Savell and Keys made good -gains outside the tackles and twice Couch tore off fair yardage on wide -runs. He was a heavy chap and hard to stop, and usually added two or -three strides to his progress after he was tackled. Alton reached the -middle of the field without yielding the ball, crossing the center-line -finally on a forward pass from Couch to Dutch Kruger that was good for -nine yards. - -The stand cheered incessantly, wrought to quite a pitch of excitement, -and demanded a score. But Keys fumbled a pass and Banning fell on the -ball on her forty-seven and the tide of battle flowed the other way -until Alton was back on her twenty-eight. There she twice stopped -Banning’s punches at the line and knocked down a forward-pass. Banning -sent her place-kicker back to the thirty-nine yards and, with what -breeze there was blowing straight from behind her, looked suddenly -dangerous. However, one fumble leads to another, and the ball was -never kicked. Whether the fault was the Banning center’s or the -quarter-back’s is immaterial. The pigskin struck the ground before the -holder could get his hands on it. After that it was juggled just long -enough for Gus Thomas to upset his opponent and arrive on the scene. -Thereupon the quarter-back did the sensible thing. He laid himself flat -and snuggled the ball to him fondly. - -Thirty seconds later Lovell caught a punt on his five-yard line and the -Gray-and-Gold started once more toward the distant goal. - -If there was one man who stood out above the others in the ensuing -march it was Larry Keys, playing right half-back. Only once did he fail -to gain when the ball was given to him. He had weight and speed and a -nice discrimination in the matter of choosing his outlets. On a play -from kick formation in which two backs faked an attack on the right of -the line and Larry went outside tackle on the left, with right tackle -swinging out and going ahead as interference, he twice made advances of -more than ten yards and netted shorter distances until Banning solved -the play and stopped it. However, once inside the visitor’s forty -yards, Alton’s advance slowed and staggered, and when two slams at the -wings had failed and a forward-pass had grounded, Couch punted from the -forty-six. - -By that time the fourth quarter was well along and Alton had the light -wind behind her. The Banning quarter misjudged the kick, touched the -ball without catching it and chased it back toward the goal-line, -closely pursued by Dutch Kruger. Pigskin, quarter-back and Dutch -arrived simultaneously at the last streak of lime, and when the whistle -had blown Alton had scored two points on a safety. The Gray-and-Gold -cohorts cheered and the game paused while the Banning captain made an -impassioned plea for a touchback. In the end he was persuaded that the -official’s verdict was just and the battle waged again. That incident, -however, while it gave Alton a score, resulted disastrously in the -end. Banning, it seemed, needed but that filip of hard-luck to start -her going with a new impetus. Three fresh players were hurried in and -Banning bounded away from her thirty-yard line like a runner from his -mark. She used one or two new plays that puzzled the adversary until -the middle of the field was reached. There a long forward-pass, almost -successful, led Alton to playing her backs deeper. Banning switched -promptly to short passes and gained her distance on two such, making -Alton’s thirty-eight yards. Another overhead attempt grounded and -Banning tried the left end and got four on a wide run. Inside the -thirty-five-yard line she tried a sweep to the left which, while it -centered the ball, lost about a yard. On fourth down she staged a -placement kick but didn’t carry it out. Full-back took the pass and -went through inside Hank Howard for all but a foot of the required -distance. After the gain had been measured Alton was awarded the -pigskin. - -With something less than two minutes left, the stand breathed loudly -with relief and Coach Cade hustled an assortment of substitutes on. -Among these was an entire new backfield: Riding as quarter, Tyron and -Parkhurst as halfs and Franklin as full. Obeying instructions, Riding -shot Tyron at the Banning left tackle on first down and got two yards. -A second attempt, however, yielded nothing, and Riding dropped back to -his sixteen yards to punt. Thus far Alton’s line had held against all -assaults of the enemy during like operations, but this time Banning -had her eyes on that goal that loomed so close and put everything into -a desperate charge that tore a gaping hole in the right of the Alton -line. Riding received a pass that was a bit too low, straightened, -turned the ball and started his swing. After that there was much -confusion, a confusion of seething forms about a loose ball, for Riding -had kicked the pigskin squarely into the body of a charging enemy! - -When the whistle blew a Banning player, the undermost of a pile of -several, had the ball, and a bare two inches of its scarred surface -overlapped Alton’s five-yard line. In the stand some four hundred -youths stood and frenziedly implored their warriors to “_Hold, Alton!_” -But Banning had tasted blood, had liked it and wanted more. Two new -linemen were sent galloping on, and then, with less than sixty seconds -of playing time remaining, Banning High School took revenge for several -years of drubbing at the hands of Alton Academy. It required the full -four downs to put that ball over, but over it went finally, while -the timekeeper’s watch ticked off the last few seconds, over on a -last frenzied surge at the very center of the Gray-and-Gold line from -the two yards, with the back who carried the pigskin hurtling his way -to victory over the shoulders of the defenders. Little cared Banning -that she missed the try-for-point. She had won, 6 to 2. That was glory -enough! - -The School was disappointed and showed the fact. The applause that -almost invariably greeted the players as they sought their table in -dining hall was lacking this Saturday evening; or was so faint it -merely emphasized the absence of the customary demonstration. The game -caused a good deal of discussion, and the consensus of opinion was to -the effect that the defeat had been unnecessary and that Coach Cade -had, in the popular phraseology, pulled a boner. Of course there were -those who stood up for Johnny, and among them was Tommy Parish. As -always, Tommy’s views met opposition, and, as always, that fact merely -spurred him to more brazen assertions. Tommy had the misfortune--for so -it was considered at Alton--to sit at a table accommodating not only a -number of fellow students but a member of the Faculty, one Mr. Peghorn, -who instructed the Junior and Senior classes in physics. However, it -must be said that Tommy allowed “Peg’s” presence to “cramp his style” -very little, while--and this is a secret between us--Mr. Peghorn, -who had taught boys for so long that his enthusiasm was fast wearing -thin, seldom lifted his head from above his plate save when Tommy was -going well. Then he occasionally darted a frowning glance toward that -youth that might have silenced another but that left Tommy untroubled. -Perhaps Tommy somehow knew that under that frown, or behind it, Mr. -Peghorn was secretly sympathetic. When one has listened to conventional -and uninspired table-talk for many years even a jarring note is a -relief. - -“Trouble with you guys,” declared Tommy in that aggravating, assured -manner of his, “is that you can’t see beyond the end of your noses. -You get sore because Coach doesn’t win a game that he doesn’t care two -cents about.” - -“A game’s a game,” said the freckle-faced boy across the table. - -“And a slice of beef’s a slice of beef,” retorted Tommy, “but I noticed -you were mighty careful not to pick out a little one just now!” - -“Just the same,” said another fellow above the chuckles rewarding -Tommy’s sally, “it doesn’t look very well, Tommy, to play two games, -as we’ve done, and not win either of them. I say it wouldn’t have hurt -Johnny to have kept his best men in and put the game on ice. Then he -could have tried out his subs if there was time.” - -“Put the game on ice!” exclaimed Tommy. “_Comment?_ Those dumb-bells -couldn’t put anything on ice, Harry. They’re so dead on their feet -you could put lilies in their hands without waking ’em! Why, the only -chance Johnny had of winning to-day was to put in his third-string -players. If he had played his second-string all through he might have -tied, but it would have taken the third-string bunch to win!” - -“Oh, don’t talk like a baked apple,” protested some one farther along. -“Do you mean to say that Banning could have pushed across for that -touchdown if the regulars had been in the line-up? If you do you’re -cuckoo!” - -“_Tres bien, cher ivorie solide._ What happened in the first half when -those mighty heroes held forth? They pushed Banning all over the field, -_non_? And scored at will, did they not? Listen, you big boob; if the -first-string guys had played through the game the score would have been -something like twenty-five to a goose-egg. We wouldn’t have had even -those miserable _deux_ points!” - -This heresy brought forth, a groan of derision. “Tommy, you’re a nut!” -proclaimed Harry. “You just like to hear yourself talk. I suppose -Lovell is a better quarter-back than Ted Ball and Tifton is a better -guard than Jonas Lowe! You’re all wet, son!” - -“Well,” answered Tommy judicially, “Jonah Slow may still have a slight -edge on Tif, but Tif’s coming along pretty fast. As for Ted Ball, he’s -the best quarter we’ve had in three years, but you’ve got to have more -than a quarter-back to make a football team. Even without Ball the -backfield that played in the last half was far better than the first -combination. Look at Savell! There’s a clever lad for you. If he isn’t -on the ‘big time’ before I’m much older I’ll eat my hat.” - -“I don’t believe you’ve got one,” said Harry. “Savell was all right, -but Storer’s a heap better. Say, if the second and third bunch are so -much better, why doesn’t Johnny scrap the first and put them in?” - -“I wouldn’t be surprised if he did eventually,” answered Tommy, helping -himself to half of a neighbor’s biscuit. “After to-day’s game he’s -probably thinking of it more than ever. Of course he’s likely to keep -three or four of the first-string crowd. They aren’t all rotten. Ted -Ball and Billy Haines and Joe Tate and, of course, Captain Jonas, would -probably stick. Maybe another.” - -“You’re a crazy coot, Tommy!” - -“_Mille remerciements._ I may be crazy, but I’m not foolish. You -fellows don’t know a thing about football, and I do. That’s why you -find my remarks incomprehensible.” - -“Where’d you get your football knowledge?” jeered one of his audience. -“Taking tickets?” - -“That’s all right, you piece of cheese rind,” replied Tommy sweetly. -“Perhaps between the lot of you you can tell me who the lad is that’ll -be doing most of the scoring for us by the end of the season. Perhaps -you can, and then _encore_ perhaps you can’t!” - -“Nip Storer.” - -“Jim Galvin.” - -“He doesn’t have to be on the first line-up just now,” said Tommy. - -“He means Fitz Savell,” suggested one. - -Tommy shook his head sadly. “I didn’t think you could,” he murmured. - -“Well, who is he?” demanded Harry, with a wink for the table at large. -“Any one we’ve ever heard of?” - -“I can’t say whether you’ve heard of him, Harry. His name’s Hollins.” - -“Hollins! You mean Bert Hollins?” - -“_Absolument._” - -“Why, that fellow hasn’t--isn’t--” - -“I never said he was,” answered Tommy, pushing back his chair and -rising superbly for one of his build. “I said he was going to be. Now -don’t chew the rag about it, pie-face, for it’s something you know -nothing of. Just remember what I’ve told you and wait for developments. -_Bon soir, vous pauvre noix!_” - - - - -CHAPTER VI - -MOONEY’S - - -If the result of the Banning game disappointed the spectators it quite -as certainly disgruntled most of the players, the first-string fellows -particularly. “Why in heck,” was the oft repeated query, “didn’t he -keep us in and let us score on those dubs? Why, we were just getting -to know them!” The explanation that Coach Cade had desired to provide -experience for the substitutes, at the cost of an unimportant contest, -was accepted but failed to satisfy. To be beaten by Banning High School -was viewed rather like a slap in the face! - -None of the regulars was any sorer than Chick Burton that evening, -and on the way across the campus after supper he did a good deal of -grousing, with Bert as a more or less sympathetic audience. Bert -appreciated Chick’s view-point, but he considered that Mr. Cade -had taken an allowable risk, and he tried to point that out to his -companion. But Chick refused to see it. - -“Johnny’s here to help us win games,” he asserted stoutly, “and not -to make us look like a bunch of dubs. If he wants to give the subs -experience let him do it in practice. We’ll give ’em enough experience! -If we can’t, all he’s got to do is run ’em up against the Second. It’s -all right to save your good men when there’s an important game coming, -but we play New Falmouth next week and there’s six days between, and -New Falmouth isn’t anything to get worried about, anyway. Why, any one -of us regulars could have played four periods to-day and never turned -a hair! I was just getting good when he yanked me out. Hang it, after -the way those beggars ran us around in the first half, we all wanted a -chance to sock it to ’em. Lum Patten was as mad as a hyena about it. I -thought sure Johnny would hear him kicking. Rather wish he had, too. -Say, I’ll bet the Flubdub will have something to say next week!” - -The Flubdub was the popular name for the school weekly. Its official -title was The Doubleay, but no one called it that. - -“Well,” remarked Bert, “you had more luck than I had, Chick, even if -you didn’t play the game through. I just sat on the bench and watched -you fellows get trampled on.” - -“Trampled on nothing!” said Chick indignantly. “You didn’t see me get -trampled on. Nor the others, either. Suppose Banning did hold us for -two periods. We were due for a come-back in the last half, and a hard -one, too! Where do you get that trampled-on stuff?” - -“I take it back,” laughed Bert. “Just the same, Chick, Banning -out-played you, and you know it.” - -“Why not? Johnny sends us in there with instructions to buck their line -and not do any kicking unless forced to. You heard the dope he handed -us. Said Banning was fast and shifty and our best bet was to hammer the -guards and tackles. Well, he didn’t know what he was talking about. -Those fellows had a corking good line from end to end and slammed us -back every time we tried to smash it. That guy who played opposite -to me was a regular man-killer! And look at the pair of guards she -had! Looks to me like Johnny had it in for us and wanted to see us -knocked cold! Maybe we were slow, like he told us afterwards, but I’ll -tell the world that it would have taken a mighty good defense to stop -that passing game of theirs to-day. We didn’t know how to meet it, -and that’s the truth of it; and I say that wasn’t our fault. Johnny -should have prepared us for that crazy sort of stuff before we went -in. Banning would heave the ball thirty or forty yards and we’d play -back to meet it, and then she’d toss one over the middle and make it -good for five or six or maybe eight yards before our backs could get in -on it. Maybe we were slow, but we were fast enough to rub those guys’ -faces in the mud if we’d been allowed to stay in! That’s what gets my -goat, hang it all: putting in a bunch of measly scrubs just when things -got interesting and we were all set to go!” - -“Fitz Savell played a nice game,” observed Bert rather wistfully. - -“Oh, sure, but the rest of them just flubbed around. Look at the chance -they had to score when they were down near the thirty that time! And -look at the play Bus Lovell called for! Say, who was in charge after -Jonas quit, anyway?” - -“Bus, I think.” - -Chick snorted. “I’ll bet he was. Any one else would have made him -change that play down there. Just handed them the very thing they were -looking for! Played right into their hands! Why, a child could have -seen that they were all set for that forward-pass!” - -“I fancy the trouble,” said Bert, “was that Bus didn’t have much of a -choice of plays.” - -“What of it? He needn’t have thrown the ball away. Savell had been -gaining right along, making his own holes, pretty near. Why didn’t Bus -shift his line over and use a double-pass that would have given Fitz a -chance to slip around tackle on the short side? We only needed about -five yards. Anyway, suppose he didn’t have the plays? Whose fault is -that? Johnny ought to have given us enough to lick those guys to a -frazzle. Beaten by a high school team! Blamed nonsense!” - -Chick relapsed into injured silence and they crossed West street, a -block from the campus, and turned to the right in the direction of -Mooney’s. Bert hadn’t much desire to spend the evening in a billiard -parlor, but Chick had pleaded hard and he had yielded. “You don’t have -to play,” asserted Chick. “I just want you to come along and see me -trim that Devore guy. He’s got a licking coming to him after what he -did to me Wednesday!” - -“I’m to be the cheering section, eh?” Bert had asked. “Well, all right. -But understand, Chick, that this has got to be an early party. Ten -o’clock sees this little golden head on the pillow, and that means -quitting the festivities by nine-thirty.” - -“Sure, that’s all right. I’ll win two straight to-night. I’m in the -mood to conquer, old scout! They wouldn’t let me lick Banning and I’ve -just got to beat up some one!” - -Mooney’s wasn’t the disreputable place that Bert pleased to pretend. -It was large, well-appointed and clean. There were fourteen tables on -the long floor and when the two boys entered every one was in use. Bert -hoped for an instant that the fact would turn his companion back toward -the door and spare him some two hours of unenthusiastic watching in the -smoke-filled hall. But Chick was undisturbed, and led the way along -the aisle to where, near the back of the room, two youths were playing -bottle pool. They were probably about twenty-three or four years of -age, one a lanky fellow with long freckled face, the other a smaller, -neatly-built chap with a face that might have been very good-looking -if the features had been less peaked. He had rather colorless, small -eyes, set too close together, and Bert took a mild dislike to Mr. -Devore long before he discovered, as he did subsequently, that the -gentleman’s first name was Lester. The game ended abruptly and Bert -shook hands with the two. The freckle-faced fellow, who was introduced -as Joe Mills, proposed a four-handed game, but neither Chick nor Devore -seconded the proposal, and Bert flatly declined. Joe wandered off -presently and Bert saw him no more that evening. - -Chick explained to Devore at some length what he intended to do to that -gentleman, and Devore pretended much concern, turning, however, to -wink at Bert, who had established himself in one of the chairs ranged -along the wall. Chick had quite recovered his spirits and was even in -a rather expansive mood. The game started and Bert made himself as -comfortable as he could and looked on. Devore was a presentable chap, -neatly dressed in inexpensive clothes of the sort usually labeled -“Varsity” or “Campus” and which are universally taboo at colleges. He -wore a ring on one hand which might--or might not--have been a diamond, -smoked cigarettes incessantly and talked cheerfully in a pleasant -voice, using much slang, and an occasional oath when luck went against -him. Luck didn’t do that very often, however, for Devore was a good -player, using his cue with unconscious dexterity and seeming never -in doubt as to what to do. Evidently he was no stranger to Mooney’s, -for he exchanged salutations frequently. If Chick had not been a good -player, too, that first game of fifty points wouldn’t have lasted long. -As it was, however, it stretched out interminably, or so it seemed -to Bert; although he did find interest in the last few minutes, when -Devore overcame Chick’s lead of eight and ran out the game. - -Chick took the defeat smilingly, but Bert could see that he was piqued. -“I’ll play you for double this time, Les,” he announced. Devore -appeared to hesitate, but he finally nodded. “You’re on, Buddie,” he -agreed. - -Chick won the second game rather handily. Apparently his adversary was -not as steady a performer as Bert had believed him, for several times -he fell down on shots that were not particularly difficult. His good -humor, however, never deserted him; wherein he differed from Chick. -Chick could be as gay as a lark while winning, but if Devore got the -lead his banter ceased and he looked on in frowning, anxious silence. -A miscue or a stroke of ill-luck invariably produced a word or gesture -of annoyance from Chick. At such times Devore was loudly sympathetic. - -At the end of the second game Chick was again in high spirits. “Come on -now for the rubber,” he said. “What about it? Same stakes?” - -“You must want to ruin me,” laughed Devore. “I’m no Millionaire Kid. I -have to work for my coin. Still, I’d like to quit even, so I’ll go you, -Buddie.” - -“You haven’t got time, Chick,” Bert protested. “It’s four after nine -now.” - -“Oh, we’ll hurry it up this time,” Chick laughed. “It won’t take me -long to beat this easy-mark!” - -“Remember what you agreed,” said Bert. “Nine-thirty was the limit.” - -“Make it twenty-five points,” Devore suggested. “I’m agreeable. I want -to hit the hay early myself to-night.” - -Chick consented, although not very cheerfully, and the third game -began. Devore won the break and cleaned the table very neatly, winning -grudging admiration from Bert. Chick went well for a while, only to -miss an easy shot, and Devore pocketed the remaining balls. After the -next break, Devore, with the game practically won, scratched, and Chick -ran seven before over-anxiety caused his Waterloo. Bert had never seen -Chick so concerned about the winning of a game of pool as he was now, -and he wondered. The miss had put him in a black temper, and he sat -slumped in a chair while Devore expertly and almost apologetically ran -out, taking the winning ball on a double bank. - -“Tell you what I’ll do,” exclaimed Chick impetuously. “I’ll play you -just one more of twenty-five for two dollars! Come on now if you’re a -sportsman! What do you say?” - -Devore shook his head. “No, sir, I’m through, Buddy. I know when I’m -well off, see? I had luck that time, but--” - -“Afraid, eh?” asked Chick. “I’ll say you had luck! Come on, don’t be a -quitter!” - -Devore smiled but shook his head again, returning his cue to its locked -box. “Honest, I’ve got to beat it, Chick. So have you. I’ll play you -again Monday night. How’s that?” - -“What time is it, anyway?” Chick looked at his watch and shrugged -disappointedly. “Oh, all right. Monday night then. Better bring your -horse-shoe along again, old man, for I’m going to show you some real -pool! Let’s settle up.” - -“Outside,” said Devore. “Mooney’s sort of strict, and what he don’t -know won’t hurt him.” - -Bert followed them down the hall, dodging the butts of busy cues, -through an atmosphere thick with tobacco smoke. Chick stopped at a -desk and paid his score and then they were outside and Bert drew a long -breath of the cool air with vast relief. Chick peeled a dollar from -a small wad of bills and Devore carelessly thrust it into a pocket. -“Well, good night, you guys,” he said. “See you Monday night, Chick?” - -“You bet you will, you lucky coot,” replied Chick. “Good night!” Bert -set a fast pace toward school, for it was well after the half-hour, and -since the sidewalks were still crowded with the usual Saturday night -throng, progress was slow and conversation difficult. It wasn’t until -they had reached the comparatively empty stretch of State street that -Chick voiced his disgust. “If you hadn’t been so keen on getting back,” -he declared, “I’d have beaten that game. You don’t get a chance when -you’re playing only twenty-five points and the other fellow has the -first break. I’d be three dollars to the good instead of a dollar out; -nearly two dollars out counting what I had to pay at the desk!” - -“Mean to say you were playing for two dollars a game?” asked Bert -incredulously. - -“Sure; that is the last two games. We only had a dollar on the first. -We never played for more than a dollar before, and I guess Les was sort -of scared. Gosh, that fellow had luck to-night, didn’t he?” - -“He seems to be a pretty clever lad at it,” said Bert. - -“Oh, he plays a good game, all right,” assented Chick, “but he makes -some pretty punk shots, too; generally when he can’t afford it. In the -pinches he gets kind of nervous, I guess.” - -“Do you usually beat him?” asked Bert. - -“Yes. Well, anyway, I win oftener than he does. He has his lucky -nights, like to-night.” - -“Seems to me, Chick, two dollars is a good deal to play for, supposing -you’ve got to bet at all. What’s the idea? You and I always have plenty -of sport with nothing up except the price of the game.” - -“Oh, well, a fellow plays better if he has a bet up. He started it. -Offered to bet me a quarter one night and I took him up. Then I came -back at him with fifty cents and then, first thing I knew, we were -playing for a dollar. Well, if he can stand it I can, I guess. Bet you -he doesn’t make more than twenty a week.” - -“I wish you’d cut out the betting,” said Bert. “You can have just as -good fun, Chick. Besides, if Faculty heard about it--” - -“Pshaw, don’t be a Woeful Willy, Bert! How the dickens would Faculty -get hep? Besides, there’s no school rule saying you mustn’t bet a -dollar on a game of pool, is there?” - -“No, I never heard of one,” owned Bert, “but Faculty has a way of -making rules at short order. Mind shaking a leg a bit? It’s twelve -minutes to ten. If I were you, Chick, I’d play less pool, anyway. Two -or three nights a week is sort of overdoing it, isn’t it?” - -“Why is it? Might as well be doing that as sitting around in the room. -There’s nothing wrong with Mooney’s place, is there? You saw what it -was like to-night.” - -“N-no, there’s nothing wrong with it, I guess; except that a lot of -betting goes on there and the crowd isn’t exactly the sort a fellow -would pick out to spend an evening with.” - -“Pshaw, the crowd’s all right. Just because they don’t happen to be our -sort doesn’t mean anything, Bert. Take Les Devore, now. Of course he -isn’t a college fellow, and all that sort of tosh, but he’s a mighty -decent guy, just the same. Works hard for his living and gets his fun -playing a little pool.” - -“What does he work at?” asked Bert. - -“Railroading. He’s something over at the freight yard, I believe. Why?” - -“I just wondered. His hands don’t look as if he did an awful lot of -work, Chick.” - -“Great Scott, I didn’t say he handled freight! He probably works in the -office. Some sort of a clerk, I dare say. I guess you don’t like him, -from the way you talk.” - -“I don’t know enough about him,” replied the other evasively. “I’ll own -up, though, old chap, that I wasn’t strangely attracted to him this -evening.” - -“What was wrong with him?” demanded Chick irritably. - -“For one thing, he plays too good a game of pool. I wouldn’t be -surprised, Chick, if you found out that playing pool is Devore’s real -work.” - -“Forget it! He doesn’t play as well as I do, and you can’t say that I -make a--a profession of it!” - -“He doesn’t yet,” answered Bert as he followed his companion up the -steps of the dormitory, “but I have a hunch that that bird is going to -improve fast!” - -“Is, eh? Well, he isn’t going to improve any faster than I do,” replied -Chick, with a comfortable laugh. “Come along Monday night and watch me -pick the pin feathers off him!” - -“No, thanks, I’ve had all the smoke I can stand for six months. Wonder -why it’s against the law to ventilate a billiard hall!” - -“Gosh, you’re getting as pernickety as an old maid!” jeered Chick. -“Tobacco smoke’s good for you, old scout. Keeps the moths out of your -system, and all that.” - -“What do you think I am?” laughed Bert. “A parlor rug?” - -Bert beat the clock and was in bed when its hands pointed to ten. -Chick undressed more leisurely, reviewing his and his adversary’s -performance, and was still solicitously slicking down his hair when the -fateful hour was announced by the booming of the church bell across the -campus. - -“Orders,” remarked Bert, good-naturedly ironic, “don’t mean anything in -your life, do they, Charles?” - -“Orders? Oh, that! Listen to me, son. Johnny’s got to square himself -for what he did this afternoon before I put myself out obeying any -orders of his. Say, I hope to goodness the Flubdub hauls him over the -coals for losing that game!” - -“He should worry,” yawned Bert. - - - - -CHAPTER VII - -BERT GOES THROUGH - - -The Flubdub did about what Chick wanted it to do. That is to say, -it didn’t haul Coach Cade over the coals, as Chick put it, but it -certainly expressed its disapproval in unmistakable terms in an -editorial article which ran all down the first column and turned the -next. It wasn’t rude, of course; the Flubdub was never that; but it let -the world know that it was disappointed in the outcome of the Banning -game, that in its judgment a blunder had been made and that Coach Cade -had made it. Then it intimated that possibly the coach had acted under -a misapprehension, and, in case he had, it proceeded to set him right. - -“While it is true,” remarked the paper, “that the Kenly Hall game is -the important event on the schedule, and the one by which we measure -the Team’s success, yet there must be a limit to the sacrifices we -are willing to make to insure a triumph over the ancient rival. We -are not satisfied to witness a series of early season defeats even -if assured that a final victory awaits us. Nor do we consider that -the loss of early season contests can have sufficient bearing on the -ultimate success of the Team to warrant them. We are better pleased -with a policy which accepts each succeeding adversary as a worthy -foe and not merely as a stepping-stone to a distant goal. While the -danger of over-confidence is recognized, yet there is also an equal -peril in lack of confidence. A team which is frequently beaten may -easily develop an inferiority complex. A firm belief in its ability to -conquer is a valuable asset for any team, and to convince a team that -it possesses that ability it must be allowed to win an occasional game. -Another aspect also deserves consideration. A reputation for success -in athletics is a magnet which draws many students to a school, and -in this age of publicity such a reputation must be earned, not merely -claimed. While we of Alton may be satisfied to consider as successful -a football team which defeats Kenly Hall in November, irrespective of -how many games it has lost beforehand, others will judge that team by -its season’s record, and if that record includes several defeats by -minor adversaries our satisfaction will not prevent those others from -considering our Football Team a failure. And the Doubleay believes with -them that such a team is a failure, for there is no gainsaying that the -victor’s laurels must go to the team which wins often and decisively, -and not to the team which merely conquers once. All of which is -respectfully submitted for the consideration of those in authority.” - -“That ought to hold Johnny awhile,” chuckled Chick after a perusal of -the editorial. “And Homer’s dead right about it, too.” - -“Homer Johnson?” asked Bert. “Think he wrote it?” - -“Of course he did. It sounds just like him. Homer waves a wicked quill!” - -“Well,” said Bert slowly, “I’m not so sure that Johnny deserves that -lecture. Being a football coach can’t be exactly a bed of roses, Chick, -and it seems to me the least the School can do is refrain from butting -in and making his job harder than it is. They say Johnny’s going to -quit this fall, anyway, and you know blame well he isn’t going to pass -up any chances to make his last season a successful one. He will bring -off a win over Kenly if it’s humanly possible.” - -“And that’s just the point,” replied Chick, slapping the paper for -emphasis. “He’s working for a win over Kenly and letting us get licked -all along the line! That’s what Homer’s kicking about; and what we’re -all kicking about. A Kenly victory is big stuff, and all that, and we -sure want it, but, hang it, Bert, we don’t want to be licked by every -two-bit school we take on. And high schools, too!” - -“You mustn’t speak so disrespectfully of high schools, Charles. There -are plenty of them that could lick us to a standstill. Besides, you -exaggerate. Only one high school has beaten us so far.” - -“Well, Southport isn’t much better,” grunted Chick. “And we play New -Falmouth High day after to-morrow, and there’s no knowing what Johnny -Cade has doped up for us!” - -“I guess we won’t have much trouble with her.” - -“We won’t if we’re allowed to trim her,” said Chick. “But if Johnny -tries another of his funny tricks, like starting with the subs, there’s -no telling. The first year I was here New Falmouth came mighty near -beating us. I forget the score, but I think it was 7 to 6. We kicked a -goal after touchdown and she didn’t.” - -“I wish Johnny would let me in Saturday,” sighed Bert. - -“Maybe he will. I wouldn’t be surprised if he left the first-string at -home and just took the subs along!” - -“You seem to have it in for Johnny rather hard, Chick.” - -“Oh, well, he made me mad last week. Yanked me out just when I was -learning how to handle that big Banning tackle. Johnny is all right -when he doesn’t get foolish. As for his quitting this fall, I don’t -believe there’s anything in that, Bert. Why would he? He gets a mighty -good salary here and I don’t believe any other school is after him.” - -“As I understand it,” responded Bert, “he’s going to give up coaching. -He has a law practice somewhere, I think, and he wants to get busy with -it. I suppose football coaching doesn’t lead to anything. How much -salary does he draw, Chick?” - -“Five, or so I’ve heard. I guess no one knows but he and the Faculty.” - -“Five thousand! Great Peter! Why, that’s real money!” - -“I’ll say so; for only three months in the year! Still, I guess it -keeps a fellow from doing much of anything else. Take a law business. -What good’s a lawyer if he isn’t around when you want him, eh? Of -course, if a coach gets big money, like some of them, they don’t have -to worry about any other business, I suppose. Some of the college -coaches draw down ten thousand.” - -“Gosh!” breathed Bert. “Guess I’ll be a football coach when I get -through eddicatin’ myself.” - -“You’ll have to learn to play first,” chuckled the other. - -“I suppose so, but I don’t see how I’m to do that if Johnny doesn’t use -me once in a while. I’m not so certain that I wouldn’t rather be on the -Scrub, Chick. You do get to play there, even if it’s only against you -dubs!” - -“You’ll get your chance all right,” Chick answered. “Next year will be -your big year, old scout. Just hold your horses and do the best you -know how. You oughtn’t to kick, anyhow, Bert. You’ve made the Team and -won your letter already, and that’s more than some fellows do before -their senior year.” - -“I know, but what’s it get me? I’ll trade that old letter any time for -a half-hour in a real game! I’m getting sort of tired of adorning that -unsympathetic bench and only getting into a scrimmage when every one -else has been used up.” - -“‘He also serves,’ quoted Chick, ‘who only--’” - -“Serve be blowed,” interrupted Bert shortly. “I want to play football! -Sitting and waiting isn’t so good. I’d like a little fun and a little -glory, Chick.” - -“You’d have had it if I’d been elected,” said Chick. - -“Whether I deserved it or not, eh?” laughed the other. - -“That’s all right,” answered Chick, with dignity. “I’d have looked -after you. Where’s my French Comp?” - -“You’ve got your elbow on it, unless my eyes deceive me. Speaking of -that obnoxious language, Chick, have you heard the new one Tommy Parish -got off the other day?” - -“What’s that little fat shrimp kicking about now?” asked Chick, -opening his book under the light. - -“Oh, this was just some of his French that he’s always springing. He -was over at practice; Monday, I guess; and when Pete Ness made that -nice run Tommy gets up and yells ‘_Garcon, allez vous en!_’” - -“_Allez vous_-- What did he mean?” - -“Well,” laughed Bert, “‘Attaboy’ was the way he translated it!” - -“He’s a blamed fool,” growled Chick. “They ought to keep him away from -practice. He’s always making a nuisance of himself with his smart-aleck -stuff. Next time he razzes me I’ll climb into the stand and cuff his -ears!” - -“Oh, he’s harmless,” said Bert. “Trying sometimes, I’ll admit, but a -distinct addition to the joy of nations. Shut up and let me work out -this plaguy problem. - - “‘I like readin’ an’ jographee, - Writin’, too, but, hully gee, - Stuff they calls arithmatic - ’S enough to make a feller sick!’” - -“Wish you had this French to do,” moaned the other. - -Presumably Mr. Cade saw that editorial in the school paper, but if he -did he didn’t allow it to affect his policy in the least. On Saturday -he began sprinkling his first and second substitutes through the team -soon after the third period started. The score was then 14 to 10 in -Alton’s favor, New Falmouth having proved rather better than expected. -To be sure, the latter’s first score came as the result of a fumble -by Ness, but the youth who had recovered the ball on the home team’s -forty-three yards deserved his touchdown, for he skillfully eluded -three of the enemy and fairly snatched himself from the grasp of Hop -Meecham, who had made a gallant chase and who tackled just short of -the five-yard line. New Falmouth added a point to that touchdown and -subsequently dropped a goal from Alton’s twenty-eight yards. - -Alton’s own scores came as the result of a considerably better offense -than she had shown heretofore. The backs worked well together and -the line was charged hard and fast. Galvin shot through for Alton’s -first score some six minutes after the kick-off and Nip Storer ran the -visitor’s left wing for the second just before the half ended. Nip -also kicked both goals. A third score almost resulted when, in the -second quarter, the New Falmouth quarter fumbled a punt and Chick fell -on it near the fifteen-yard line. Two attacks at the line, however, -gained but four yards and Ted Ball’s heave to Chick grounded. On a -kick formation Nip Storer threw straight across center, but Joe Tate -was not in position and the ball went to the enemy. Alton impressed -the spectators as at least thirty per cent better than New Falmouth, -even if results didn’t prove it. There was still something lacking -in Alton’s attack; perhaps several things; but the power appeared -to be there. The left of the line was weak and New Falmouth romped -through Meecham and Dozier several times. The latter, at tackle, was a -comparatively easy problem for the opposing backs. The balance of the -line showed well on defense, Lum Patten, at center, being an especially -bright spot. Joe Tate and Chick Burton were both fast under punts and -were generally on hand when the ball was caught. Chick, however, still -showed uncertainty in the matter of tackling, and more than once an -enemy wriggled away and made yardage after Chick reached him. - -Mr. Cade started his substitutes in almost with the kick-off of the -second half, and before the third period was well along only four -regulars remained in the line-up. There was, of course, a murmur of -disapproval from the stand, but the game was so evidently Alton’s for -the taking that censure was light. For a period of perhaps five minutes -New Falmouth caused uneasiness in the home camp, for she took the ball -on steady rushing from her own forty-yard line to Alton’s thirty-two -before she was halted. There Gus Thomas, playing left tackle, nailed -a New Falmouth back behind his line for a six-yard loss, and the -misfortune broke the enemy’s stride. An attempt at a forward heave went -bad, a wide run was smeared for no gain and when, on fourth down, a -courageous youth tried to lift the ball over the bar by the place-kick -route from the forty-six yards the attempt was foredoomed. The pigskin -fell many yards short and into Fitz Savell’s eager arms, and Fitz -dodged and wormed his way to his own twenty-two before he was downed. -That advance was New Falmouth’s final bolt, and never again did she -make a first down. - -Alton scored a third touchdown after some twelve minutes of play, Couch -going through the enemy’s center from her six yards. Bus Lovell missed -the try-for-point. Again, in the last quarter, Fitz Savell brought -the crowd to its feet with a long run from mid-field that put the -pigskin on New Falmouth’s seven yards. Bert was in then, having just -taken Keys’ place at right half, and it was to Bert that Bus Lovell -shot the ball on the first down. The play was from balanced line and -Bert carried between the enemy right tackle and right end. As those -men were double teamed, and as Fitz went ahead as interference, Bert -shot through cleanly and kept his feet to the one yard. There he was -simultaneously tackled by the opposing full-back and quarter, but he -managed to get the ball over the line before he was borne back. Again -Bus failed to kick the goal. - -The game ended some two minutes later, the score 26 to 10, and Bert -went off the field with the rest of the squad, after a somewhat -breathless cheer for the adversary, striving hard not to show the -elation he felt. Since that was the first touchdown he had ever scored -against an outside team, disguising his pleasure wasn’t easy. He -found himself grinning several times on the way to the gymnasium and -straightened his mouth hastily, hoping none of the others had seen. -Chick, again rather disgruntled because he hadn’t been allowed to play -more than slightly over two periods, smote Bert on the back as they -entered the building. - -“Good stuff, old scout!” he declared. “That was a nice little scamper -of yours. You’re a credit to my training.” - -Bert smiled in as off-handed a manner as he could manage. “No one could -have failed on that play,” he answered. “That hole was as wide as a -barn door, Chick. Gus Thomas and Bus put out the tackle, and Couch--” - -“Save your breath. I saw the play. I didn’t say you worked a miracle, -did I? Just the same, you delivered the goods. And you got off so fast -you blame near overran your interference, too! If that tackle hadn’t -been playing too far in he could have smeared it easy. You want to -watch out for that, Bert. Keep behind your interference, even if it -slows you up. If you don’t you’ll mess the play.” - -Later there was another word of commendation, this time from Mr. Cade. -And, as before, it contained a warning. “You got through very prettily, -Hollins, on that off-tackle play,” he said, “but you must be careful -another time to let your interference reach the line well ahead of -you. You were much too close on Savell. A good deal depends on timing -yourself right, Hollins.” Mr. Cade smiled and turned away and Bert went -on to the showers, not quite so pleased with himself. - -“Some one,” he reflected as he squirmed under the spray, “is always -taking the joy out of life! Still, I guess he’s right. I did hustle -Savell a bit. Pshaw, there’s nothing to get high-hat about. It just -happened to be the right sort of a play for me. I’m too light to do -anything unless I have three or four other fellows helping me! I wish I -weighed thirty pounds more, gosh ding it! Besides, what made that play -easy was that New Falmouth expected Fitz would get the ball and were -watching him to hit the other side. Trouble with me is I have to have a -skirmish party go ahead of me and clean out the woods before I can get -through!” - - - - -CHAPTER VIII - -EXPERT ADVICE - - -As a result of these and similar cogitations he went to supper in a -chastened frame of mind and refused to accept any of the clapping that -greeted his appearance in dining hall as a personal tribute. Then, -afterwards, emerging alone, he ran into Tommy Parish in the corridor -and Tommy nailed him. Tommy, although he had recently finished a hearty -supper, was munching salted peanuts without evident effort. He held out -the small packet to Bert, but the latter shook his head. - -“Won’t let you?” asked Tommy. - -“I guess so, but I’m full up.” - -Tommy observed him with patent incredulity. “After that chow?” he asked -jeeringly. “Yes, you are! Better have some. They’re fresh.” Then, as -Bert again declined: “Say, you got your oar in at last, didn’t you?” he -asked. - -“Got my oar in? What are you talking about, Tommy?” - -“Why, this afternoon. Pshaw, I knew you’d show them how it’s done -if they’d let you. And you did, too, Bertie. Yeah, you pulled off -something rather neat. I’ve been watching you right along; ever since -last fall. Been expecting you’d bust in before this, but I guess you’ve -got some pretty fair guys to run against. Savell, for instance. He’s -good. I said he was first time I saw him play. Just like with you, -Bert. I generally manage to pick the winners!” - -“Are you trying to tell me that I’m a winner?” laughed Bert. Tommy -emptied the remaining peanuts from the sack to his mouth and contented -himself with a nod. “You’re a humorist, Tommy. Going my way?” - -Tommy nodded again and fell into step. “You’re right about Fitz Savell, -though,” said Bert warmly. “Fitz is a winner and no mistake. Wasn’t -that a corking run of his to-day? Gee, but that fellow can twist!” - -“Sokayou,” said Tommy. - -“Come again?” - -Tommy swallowed convulsively and obliged. “So can you, I said. Listen. -Savell’s mighty good, Bert, but he isn’t a bit better than you are. -Only thing is, he’s getting a chance to show and you aren’t. Say, know -what I told the fellows at our table the other night? Well, I told them -that by the end of the season you’d be the guy who’d be doing most of -our scoring.” - -“Me!” Bert looked searchingly at his companion’s countenance, but he -failed to detect sarcasm therein. Instead, Tommy appeared to be quite -serious, even earnest. “What did the other fellows do?” inquired Bert. -“Hoot?” - -“Oh, they didn’t believe it,” replied Tommy easily. “But we should -worry, eh?” - -Bert laughed, not amusedly but with slight irritation. “You may mean -well, Tommy,” he said, “but I rather wish you wouldn’t make crazy -remarks like that, if you don’t mind. It makes me look rather an ass, -you know.” - -Tommy’s slightly protuberant eyes expressed perplexity. “How do you -mean, ass?” he inquired. “How do you mean, crazy remarks? How do you -mean--” - -“I mean that fellows might think that I agreed with you, of course,” -answered Bert, grinning in spite of himself. “I don’t want to look like -a conceited fool, Tommy.” - -“Mean you don’t agree with me? Mean you don’t know you’re a cracking -good player? Pouf, you’re stringing me! Why, I sized you up a long time -ago, Bert. ‘There,’ I said to myself, ‘is a lad that’s going to show -’em some football before very long!’ Yes, sir, I generally manage to -pick the winners. I don’t play the game myself; I tried it once but I -wasn’t built just according to specifications; but that doesn’t keep -me from seeing what’s going on and what’s coming off. I sized you up -for a clever running back the first time I saw you in action. That -was last fall when you were on the Scrub Team, Bert. Why, I haven’t -missed a practice session since I came here, hardly! Fellows say I’m -fresh and shoot off my mouth.” Tommy shrugged, looked regretfully at -the rumpled sack he still held and tossed it in the general direction -of the rubbish barrel at the corner of Upton. “Maybe I do, but some -one’s got to tell the truth! Take Johnny Cade now. He’s too easy. Say, -know something? Well, if I was coach of this team, or any other team, -for that matter, I’d see that fellows jumped when I spoke to ’em. Yes, -sir, when I said ‘Hep!’ they’d hep! Johnny’s too--too soft. Oh, I know -he can be rough if he wants to, but that isn’t the trick. Fellows are -naturally lazy, Bert. You’ve got to prod ’em all the time if you’re -going to get ’em to pull. Johnny doesn’t prod. He just says ‘Gee’ or -‘Haw’ and the whole crowd move about as fast as a yoke of oxes--oxen, I -mean. That’s where I come in and do my little stunt, see? When I catch -a fellow soldiering I get after him, you bet. They don’t like it, of -course. Let ’em not!” Tommy smiled comfortably. “It’s for their own -good. They offer to punch my nose and knock my block off and all that, -but I notice they don’t do it. They know mighty well that when I say -they’re rotten they are rotten!” - -Bert paused on the steps of Upton and stared at Tommy with a new -interest. Tommy, feeling unsuccessfully about his pockets for further -provender, gazed complacently across the twilit campus. Yielding to an -impulse, Bert asked: “Doing anything, Tommy?” - -“No, I guess not. I did think of going to the movie, but it’s one of -those vamp pictures, and they make me sick.” - -“Come on up to the room then and tell me more about it,” invited the -other. - -“About what? Got anything good up there?” - -“Great Scott, you’re not still hungry!” - -Tommy grinned. “Pouf, I’m never really hungry, I guess, but I can -generally eat.” - -“You mean you do generally eat,” laughed Bert. “Maybe I can dig up -something to keep life in your poor thin body. Come on.” - -“I haven’t been in here for a long time,” said Tommy as he selected the -easiest chair and relaxed with a sigh. “You and Chick still hit it off? -He’d get on my nerves mighty quick, I guess. He’s what I call a hard -frost.” - -“Chick’s a fine chap when you know him,” said Bert. “He and I have been -friends a long time.” - -“Meaning I’m to quit throwing off on him, eh? Oh, all right. He’s not -bad, even if he is trying to see how rotten he can play.” - -“Rot,” replied Bert warmly. “Chick’s doing as well as any fellow on the -team, Tommy, and you know it.” - -“You’re a liar,” responded Tommy sweetly, “and _you_ know it! Ever -since he got thrown down at the election last winter he’s been as sore -as a boil, and ever since he started to play football last month he’s -been just passing the time. I’m not the only one who knows it, either, -if you don’t--or pretend you don’t. Johnny’s got his number, believe -me! Some fine day Chick’s going to wake up and find himself on the -outside looking in!” - -“Nonsense,” muttered Bert. But he was uneasily conscious that there -might be some truth in Tommy’s prediction. Chick had been rather poor -this fall, and it was scarcely possible that Coach Cade hadn’t noted -the fact. Bert tossed a half-emptied box of drug-store candy into -Tommy’s lap and, because the other had jarred him, said irritably: “Go -ahead and kill yourself, you silly pig!” - -Tommy removed the lid and peered dubiously into the box. “Not much -chance of killing myself with what’s here,” he stated derisively. “Have -some?” - -“No, thanks.” Bert sat down at the study table and thoughtfully rolled -a pencil between his palms. “Rather a thankless job, yours, Tommy. I -mean fellows don’t take kindly to your criticism, eh?” - -Tommy shrugged, crossed his knees and regarded a chocolate -disapprovingly. Beyond a doubt it had been confined too long in that -box! “If you mean I’m not popular, you’re right. But popularity never -got any one anything much. Look at History. Men who really did things, -men who won success, were unpopular. Look at--at Cæsar, and Napoleon -and Lincoln and--” - -“Your examples are not so good, Tommy,” Bert laughed. “The gentlemen -you refer to were rather unfortunate in the end, weren’t they?” - -“What of it? They did big things while they were alive. If you’re one -of these popular, well-liked guys about all you get is a slap on the -back. When there’s a real plum to be handed out the popular guy takes -tickets at the door. Every one likes him fine, but when there’s a big -job to be done no one even sees him. The job goes to some rough-neck -who has so many enemies he has to carry a gun! No, sir, being liked is -a handicap, Bert. If you want to be something and get somewhere talk -rude, step on folks’ toes and get yourself hated. It’s the surest way.” - -“Tommy, you certainly get hold of some funny notions,” said Bert, half -admiringly. “It must take a lot of your time to think them up.” - -Tommy waved a hand carelessly. “I like to think,” he said. “Most -fellows don’t. When you call my ideas funny, though, you just mean that -they don’t happen to be yours. That’s typical of your class, Bert. -Anything strange--I mean unfamiliar--you call funny.” - -“My class? Meaning the Junior?” - -“No, class in society.” Tommy rejected an unpromising piece of candy -and searched farther. “Wealthy and conservative, you know. Hide-bound -New England. All that sort of thing.” - -“I’m New England, if you like,” agreed Bert, amused, “but I’m not -exactly wealthy, and I do hope I’m not hide-bound. That doesn’t sound -comfortable. Aren’t you New England yourself, you crazy coot?” - -“No. I live there, but that’s all. We’re from Western New York -originally. My father’s folks were Welsh and my mother’s Irish.” - -“I might have known there was Irish in you,” said Bert. “That’s how you -come to like a scrap so well, Tommy.” - -“I don’t like scraps. You never saw me pick a quarrel yet. No one ever -did. Sometimes fellows resent what I say to ’em, but that’s their -fault.” - -“You came pretty close to having a scrap on your hands the other night -over in Coles Wistar’s room,” Bert reminded him dryly. - -“What of it? I didn’t start it. Chick called me a fat loafer, didn’t -he? Then I said he was playing a rotten game of football, which was the -gospel truth, and he got on his ear! He’s short-tempered, that guy.” - -On the heels of that assertion Chick hurried into the room, looked -surprised to see who the visitor was and said, “Hello, Tommy,” not -very enthusiastically before turning to Bert. “Coming along?” he asked. - -“Mooney’s? I think not, Chick.” - -“Thought you said you would. You can change your mind quicker than any -fellow I ever saw! Where’d you get to after supper? I wanted you to go -over to Jim Galvin’s. Well, if you won’t come, all right. I’ve got to -hurry.” - -“Hope you have luck,” said Bert as Chick found a cap and stuck it on -the back of his head. - -“Well, it’s about time I did,” rejoined Chick as he opened the door. -“See you later, old scout.” - -“Mooney?” asked Tommy, when Chick had departed. “Who’s he?” - -“Oh, just a fellow who lives in town. Chick goes to see him now and -then.” - -Tommy accepted the explanation, but a close observer would have -suspected that it didn’t altogether satisfy him. He laid the now empty -box on the window-seat with a sigh of mingled regret and repletion, -stretched his rather pudgy legs out and then startledly clapped a hand -to the back of his neck. He wiggled his head sidewise several times, -and then up and down, while Bert gazed at him in puzzlement. Finally -he sighed again, this time with pure concern, and murmured: “Darn the -luck! Another Job!” - -“Another what?” asked Bert. - -“Job. That’s what I call them,” explained Tommy, evidently very low in -his mind. “Job had ’em, you know.” - -“Had what?” Bert was still in the dark. - -“Gee, don’t you read your Bible?” asked Tommy irritably. “Boils, of -course! I’m always having ’em. Makes me sick. I’ll bet it’s the water -here.” - -“You don’t suppose eating so much has anything to do with it?” Bert -inquired innocently. “Candy and peanuts and that sort of stuff?” - -Tommy shook his head cautiously, once more extending an exploring hand -to the back of his neck. “I don’t believe so,” he replied soberly. “I -tried dieting once. Didn’t eat any candy for a whole month. But it -didn’t make any difference. I had Jobs just the same. I guess it’s the -water, maybe, or something. Guess I’d better go up and put stuff on it.” - -“Too bad,” said Bert as sympathetically as he could manage. “I hope you -won’t get it.” - -“Oh, I’ll get it,” answered the other resignedly. “I always do.” Then, -more cheerfully, he added: “Anyway, I won’t have Gym class for a while!” - -At the door Bert stopped him. “By the way, Tommy, I wish you’d tell me -something.” Tommy paused, turned and, holding a hand to the incipient -boil, looked inquiring. “What you said about my playing,” went on Bert -with some embarrassment. “You didn’t really mean it, eh?” - -“What do you care if I did or didn’t?” asked Tommy, suddenly a -pessimist. “You’re like all the others. Think I don’t know anything -about football just because I don’t play it.” - -“No, honestly, Tommy, I don’t think that. Fact is, I believe you know a -lot about it. That’s why I’d like to know whether you really think I’ll -make a player. You see, I’ve tried pretty hard, but I don’t seem to do -as well as most of the others.” - -“Huh,” said Tommy, evidently mollified, “you’re a player right now. -Say, want to know how to break into fast company right away? All right, -I’ll tell you.” Tommy lowered his voice, glancing left and right along -an empty corridor, and became gravely confidential. “Don’t put your -head down, Bert. Keep it up and use your eyes. Look for the opening. -Sometimes it isn’t where it ought to be, you know. All right. If you -look sharp you can find it. If you put your head down and just follow -the interference blind you run into a snag half the time. Get the idea? -Look where you’re going! _Employer la oeil, mon ami! Aussi, chercher la -trou!_ Thanks for the feed. Night!” - -When Tommy had gone toward the stairs with a rather dejected amble, -Bert closed the door, sat down and considered the advice. Of course -Tommy was a good deal of a nut, but he evidently did use his bean, -Bert reflected, and he did seem to know something about the art of -football playing. Bert tried to remember whether he did or didn’t put -his head down when he took the ball. He couldn’t decide until he got -to his feet, stooped, with the knuckles of one hand on the carpet, -listened to an imaginary signal and jumped forward, his hands wide for -a mythical ball. When his hands were clasped against his stomach he -stopped abruptly in his journey of the room, for he had discovered what -he sought. The instant he had clasped the imagined ball to him he had -dropped his head! - -He went back to his chair and considered again. What he had just done -he doubtless always did. In which case Tommy’s advice deserved respect. -Hitting the line with the head down might be an excellent plan under -some conditions, and Bert recalled that he had seen it done time and -again, but when you were crossing over or running wide it plainly -wasn’t the wise proceeding. He guessed that “Head up!” was right. -To-day, for instance, he had gone through without difficulty because -the hole was awaiting him, a fine wide opening made by four of his -team-mates and neatly cleaned out by Fitz Savell, but suppose the hole -hadn’t been so wide, or hadn’t been there at all. In that case he would -have smashed up against Fitz or an enemy forward and there’d have -been no gain, because there wasn’t any doubt in his mind that he had -run blindly, his head lowered and his eyes on the ground. Well, that -wouldn’t do. He would practice keeping the old bean up and look where -he was going. Of course, once free of the line he had probably been in -the habit of raising his head and using his eyes, but going through it -he had fallen into the way of the plunging backs who, with ball hugged -to stomach and body bent sharply over it, shot themselves forward like -human battering-rams. Funny, he thought, that no one had noted that and -corrected him before. Funny that it should have been first pointed out -to him by a chap who didn’t play and was popularly considered a joke! - -A few minutes later Bert took himself off to a room down the corridor -and played two games of chess at which he was badly beaten because he -kept thinking about football and Tommy Parish’s prediction most of the -time. At ten o’clock he was in bed, if not asleep. Even if you couldn’t -slumber you could obey the rules. Chick was still out when the hour -struck. In fact, it was nearly a quarter past when he stole in. Bert -gave him a drowsy greeting and got a grunt in reply. Plainly the luck -had not gone Chick’s way to-night and he was rather out of temper. He -made a good deal of unnecessary noise during the process of preparing -for bed, with the result that eventually Bert became fully awake. - -“You’re a noisy brute, Chick,” he yawned. - -For reply Chick slammed a drawer emphatically. But presently, having -put out the light and found his bed, speech came to him. “Well, why -don’t you ask me if I won?” he demanded. - -“I will. Did you?” - -“Oh, sure! One game out of three! Talk about luck! Say, that fellow -couldn’t miss to-night if he tried!” - -“Sometimes, I think, he does try,” murmured Bert. - -“What?” Then, as Bert didn’t repeat the observation, he continued -disgustedly: “I had him thirty-one to six on the last game and he went -out without a break! The balls just rolled everywhere he wanted them -to, the lucky stiff! Gee, it would make you sick!” - -“Did you bet with him?” - -“Naturally. And lost, too.” - -“How much?” - -“Plenty,” answered Chick briefly. “But I’ll get it back, don’t you -worry. He’s had luck for a week now, but it can’t keep up all the time, -and I’ll sure make a killing soon. He certainly got my goat to-night, -though!” - -“Tough luck,” murmured Bert. “Well, good night.” - -“Not so blamed good,” Chick growled. - - - - -CHAPTER IX - -SUBS VS. SCRUB - - -With the beginning of the fourth week of the season, the football -situation at Alton Academy had become fairly well straightened out. The -squad was down to thirty-four, about as low as it was likely to go, the -Second Team had hit its stride and was providing tough opposition four -or five times a week, and, with the approach of the first important -contest, that with Lorimer Academy next Saturday, the preliminary -season was coming to an end in a fairly normal manner. The victory -over New Falmouth, while of no great consequence, had shown coach -and players and School that the Team possessed latent possibilities, -something which the School, at least had begun to doubt. One win out -of three starts was a record that was scarcely impressive. However, -if Alton was having her difficulties, so, too, was her rival, Kenly -Hall. Kenly had won her first game handsomely enough, had lost her -second without apparent rime or reason and had been able to do no -better on Saturday last than play Oak Grove to a scoreless tie. Since -Oak Grove was normally a small-caliber team, Kenly’s last performance -had brought encouragement to Alton. Kenly almost always turned out a -scoring eleven, and her inability to put anything over on Oak Grove -suggested that this fall, for once, she was minus heavy artillery. - -On Monday the substitutes held the center of the stage at Alton, -since those who had played for any length of time on Saturday were -excused after signal work. The Second came across, rearing to go, and -engaged an adversary largely composed of second-choice substitutes. -Bert, somewhat to his surprise, was allowed to start at right half. -Lovell was at quarter for a while, and Tyron and Couch completed the -backfield. The scrimmage went slowly, for Mr. Cade was trying out two -new plays--new, at least, to the team--and the play was frequently -stopped for criticism or instruction. Mr. McFadden’s charges were an -eager, hard-fighting lot, and in the first ten minutes neither side -scored. Field-goals were barred to-day, except for which both First and -Scrub might have had three points. Bert tried his best to act on Tommy -Parish’s suggestion and keep his head up when he went at the line. -Sometimes he did it, but habit was strong and more times he failed. -Still, he comported himself fairly well, and when he was relegated to -the bench at the end of the first half was able to assure himself that -he had done as well as Tyron. - -In the second half of the scrimmage Parkhurst started in Bert’s -position, but he was so weak on defense that he lasted but a few -minutes and gave way to Keys. The Second got under way when the -ball was fumbled by Riding, who had succeeded Lovell toward the end -of the first session, and picked up by a Scrub end. From their own -forty-two yards Mr. McFadden’s pets smashed along to the First’s -thirty-one, using a wide sweep that worked with all the efficiency of a -steam-roller. Shelfer, playing right end, was of so little use when the -play came on his side that Mr. Cade sent him off and looked about for a -substitute. Ends, however, were scarce this afternoon, and finally Fitz -Savell was tried. Fitz might have claimed immunity, since he had worked -rather hard Saturday, but that was far from his thoughts. At end, a -position he had played awhile a year back, Fitz fitted excellently, -so well that runs around the First Team’s right ceased after the next -attempt. Too close to the side-line to try a play around the other -end, Scrub piled into right guard for no gain and then shot off a -neat forward-pass to the left that was caught close to the boundary -and advanced for a total gain of seventeen yards. From the First’s -twelve yards the Second went over for a touchdown in three plays, the -final one being an unexpected plunge through a loose center by quarter -after a seeming attack on tackle had fooled the defenders. Couch was -slightly hurt in that play and Franklin took his place at full-back. -No goal was tried and the First kicked off again and the Scrub left -half was downed without a gain by Fitz Savell. One plunge netted two -yards and Scrub punted. Keys caught on his forty-three and the First -started to hammer the right of the adversary’s line and made good going -to the opposite forty. There, two smashes were stopped and Keys made -an ineffectual attempt to take a long heave from Franklin. Time was -taken out for the Scrubs and Coach Cade seized the opportunity to make -several changes. Two new linemen were brought in and Keys was sent off -to the showers. Coach Cade’s demand for another half-back brought Jake, -the trainer, to his feet. - -“Half-back! Come on, one o’ you! All right, What’s-your-name!” - -But “What’s-your-name” didn’t get well onto the field before he was -turned back. “This man doesn’t know these plays, Jake,” called the -coach. “Who else is there?” - -“Not a one, Coach. They’ve all been worked.” - -“Well, send some one. Hollins, you come.” - -So Bert went back, even more surprised than before, and Mr. Cade said: -“Take it here, Hollins. Let’s see what you can do. We ought to get a -score this time.” - -It was fourth down and Don Riding called for kick formation with -Franklin back. Bert took his place behind right tackle, the signals -started and the ball shot back. Franklin, however, had had woefully -little practice at taking the pass from center and he made a poor job -of it. The cry of “_Ball! Ball!_” arose piercingly as the lines swayed. -Bert jumped to the right to head off an opponent who was leaking -through, and just at that moment something bounded against his leg. -He threw himself outside and let the adversary stumble past him. Then -he was running toward the trickling ball, one of several in pursuit. -A lucky, half-hearted leap on the part of the pigskin coincided with -Bert’s swoop, and he straightened up, tucking the ball tightly to him, -and started ahead. A falling player sent him staggering to the right, -but he recovered and headed in. It looked like a forlorn hope, for the -enemy seemed closing in on him. Then, however, Tolman shot past him -and went crashing into the nearest of the foe and Bert sped around the -falling forms and found his pace. - -It wasn’t difficult after that. Only one tackler threatened and a -straight-arm sent him spinning aside. Bert had picked up the ball near -the Scrub’s forty-yard line and by the time he was racing over the -twenty he was a good two yards in advance of the nearest foe. The Scrub -safety man had run in at the warning of the fumble and he was a poor -third when the goal-line was reached. Bert crossed it winded but serene -and yielded gracefully to the vindictive tackle of the first pursuer. -Mr. Cade, trotting slowly up, said: “Good work, Hollins! Nice dodging. -Never mind the try-for-point, fellows! First kicks off!” - -Returning somewhat breathlessly up the field, Bert puzzled over the -coach’s reference to dodging. Bert couldn’t remember having dodged -once! However, he had won praise from Mr. Cade, and that was certainly -good luck! For that matter, the whole proceeding, he reflected, had -been a matter of luck! He guessed the touchdown wouldn’t raise his -stock much. - -Yet, on Tuesday, the indications were that it had, and that he had -slipped overnight a little farther up the list. He knew this by two -tokens. One was the speculative look he surprised on Larry Keys’ -countenance. The other was the fact that when Larry, who had succeeded -Pete Ness at right half, went out in the second session of the -scrimmage game Jake’s summons was: “Hollins! Go in at left half, boy!” - -He played some six minutes that day, remembering better now to keep his -head up and look for the opening. Once that proceeding served him well, -for on an off-tackle play something went wrong and his own full-back -and the opposing end were blocking the hole. Seeing it in time, he -sped on out, closely pursued by the Scrub left end, side-stepped an -enemy back and went around for seven yards. Then he stood and listened -while Coach Cade made a few critical remarks to Oscar Couch. The -First took revenge to-day for yesterday’s 6 to 6 tie, piling up three -touchdowns on the enemy. One of these was put across while Bert was in, -and, although it was Couch who took the ball over, Bert had a fine part -in the conquest of those last eight yards and felt as triumphant as any -one when, the heap of bodies having been disentangled, the pigskin was -found to be well across the mark. - -That afternoon Fitz Savell had another try at end, left this time, and -Joe Tate looked extremely worried during the experiment. There was no -doubt that Savell had the making of a brilliant end-rush, although -since that position seemed well supplied with talent there was no -apparent reason for sacrificing a good backfield man. Finally Tate was -restored to his place and Fitz was later seen at left half once more. -Returning to Upton from the gymnasium after practice, Chick voiced -uneasiness to Bert. “Wonder what Johnny’s idea is in letting Fitz play -end. The man’s a half-back and a mighty good one, and it would be a -queer piece of business to try to make an end of him in the middle of -the season. Anyway, we’ve got four good ends right now.” - -“Who’s the fourth?” asked Bert. “Tate and Shelfer and Kruger, sure, -but who’s the other?” - -Chick grinned. “Your Uncle Dudley, son. Of course I oughtn’t to call -myself good, but you’ll excuse it.” - -“Yes,” answered Bert, suddenly serious, “you are good, Chick, when you -want to be, but it seems to me that you haven’t been up to your real -form this fall. Not always, I mean.” - -Chick looked affronted for a moment. Then he laughed. “What’s the idea, -Bert?” he asked. “Think I’m getting a swelled head, or what?” - -“No, but I mean it, Chick. I supposed you knew it, too, or I wouldn’t -have mentioned it.” - -“Oh, come,” protested Chick, “don’t lay it on! I don’t say I’ve always -played at top-notch. No fellow can, I guess. But I’ve kept my end up as -well as any of them, haven’t I?” - -“Perhaps,” said Bert. “I may be wrong, of course. Only it has seemed to -me that you--well, that you don’t try as hard as you did, Chick; don’t -take as much interest in the game. Perhaps I imagine it. Anyway, you -mustn’t get sore because I spoke about it.” - -“Sore! Of course not.” But he did sound a trifle irritated. “I thought -I’d been playing a pretty good article of football, old scout, and your -information is rather jarring. Any one tell you this, or did you just -discover it for yourself?” Chick’s eyes narrowed suspiciously. - -“My own idea entirely,” replied Bert lightly. “I dare say I’m not a -competent judge of how end position should be played. Of course, Chick, -I want to see you playing way ahead of every one and so I’m probably -over-critical. You know how you’re playing better than I do.” - -“I’d ought to,” agreed Chick. Then, when they were in the room, he -reverted to the subject. “Funny idea of yours,” he mused. “Thinking I’m -off my game, I mean.” He laughed uneasily. “Hope Johnny doesn’t catch -it! Fact is, Bert, I haven’t been feeling quite as peppy as I ought to -so far this fall. Maybe it sort of shows in my playing, eh? I don’t -believe it, though. I’ll bet I’ve played just as good a game as Joe -Tate right along. Don’t you think I have?” - -“Why, I don’t know, Chick. I’ve said I’m no judge of how end ought to -be played. Last year, if you’ll remember, you played a better game than -Joe, a whole lot better.” - -“That means you don’t think I have, eh? I don’t see how you figure it. -Take last Saturday, for instance--” - -“I won’t do it,” laughed Bert. “If you say you’re playing up to top -form that’s all there is to it, Charles.” - -“Top form? Of course I’m not. No fellow reaches top form as early in -the season as this. All I do say is that I’m doing just as well as Joe -or any other end! And if Johnny thinks he can scare me by bluffing with -Fitz Savell he’s wrong!” - -“I don’t think he had anything like that in mind,” said Bert. “Fitz is -too good a back to turn into an end. Tell you what, Chick. Cut out the -pool for the rest of this week, get to bed on time and then see if you -don’t feel a lot zippier!” - -“Oh, piffle! How is playing a little pool going to affect my football? -Don’t be an ass, Bert! Anyway, I’ve got a date with Les Devore for -to-morrow night. Maybe I’ll quit for a while after that. Got to recoup -my losses first, though! That guy has certainly been putting the -harpoon into me lately!” - -“Did you lose again last night?” asked Bert. - -“Well, I didn’t exactly win. That fellow’s middle name is Lucky, Bert!” - -“I guess it must be. Pretty good reason for letting him alone for a -while, isn’t it? I mean a fellow can buck against a better game, Chick, -but a run of luck is something else.” - -“I guess that’s so,” agreed Chick thoughtfully. “When we started -playing I could beat him two times out of three, but now, with -everything breaking his way, I’m doing well if I get one game in four. -But, heck, his luck can’t last! And when it stops, believe me, Bert, -I’m going to lay him out stiff!” - -“I’d lay off awhile and give the luck a chance to catch up,” said Bert -lightly. - -“Yes, maybe I’d better,” muttered Chick. “After to-morrow.” - -What happened at Mooney’s Wednesday night Bert didn’t learn. He was -asleep when Chick returned, and since the latter made no mention of -the previous evening’s events when morning came Bert didn’t inquire. -Chick seemed in good spirits, whistling while he dressed, but Bert more -than half suspected that much of the gayety was assumed. As a matter -of fact, Chick was not the sort to arise from bed blithe and singing. -It usually took him ten minutes to get his eyes thoroughly open, and -during that period he was more the bear with the sore head than the -nightingale! So if Chick whistled with intent to deceive he selected -the wrong method. - -Bert was rather too taken up with his own affairs for the rest of that -week to pay very much attention to Chick’s, nevertheless he did make -note of the fact that neither on Thursday nor Friday evenings did Chick -resort to Mooney’s. Evidently then Chick had decided to act on Bert’s -suggestion and allow Mr. Lester Devore’s phenomenal luck at pool to -become exhausted. Perhaps, too, although he had not accepted Bert’s -hint with much enthusiasm, Chick thought it wise to take no chances. -Certain it was that he got to bed both nights by ten o’clock, or -almost, and that his performances on the gridiron seemed animated by -more vim. - -Meanwhile Bert discovered that from an unimportant third substitute -he had advanced in the period of a few days to the rôle of a player -of consequence. Perhaps the degree of consequence wasn’t great, but -certain it was that he never failed to get into the scrimmage line-up -and that Coach Cade, suddenly and rather disconcertingly aware of -his existence, gave him a good deal of attention. The attention was -sometimes embarrassing, as when on Wednesday afternoon Bert balled -a play all up and found himself on his back with two of the enemy -kneeling on his diaphragm and the pigskin, tightly clasped, some six -yards back of the point it had started from. Bert had heard of coaches -who became tempestuous and profane under less provocation, but Mr. Cade -was not one of them. Mr. Cade might raise his voice a note or two, -but he never lost control of it--or of himself. He didn’t even call -names; that is, not hard names. He might refer in a gentlemanly manner -to a fellow’s apparent lack of mentality and address him as a “poor -goat,” or he might, in cases where a lineman failed to show sufficient -aggression, use the allowable term “loafer.” But such appellations -left no smart. However, it is not to be assumed from this that Mr. -Cade was tongue-tied. Not a bit of it. He had a surprising command -of the English language and a remarkable fluency in the use of it. He -also displayed a positive genius in the correct choice of words. If -one could only remain sufficiently detached, as it were, during one of -Johnny’s best orations one could without a doubt vastly improve one’s -rhetoric. - -But remaining detached was difficult, and on the occasion alluded to -Bert profited not a whit in the matter of increasing his vocabulary or -perfecting his speech. He did, however, profit in another way. After -Mr. Cade had lucidly and in detail explained your mistake, you didn’t -make that particular mistake again. Oh, you might turn right around -and make another, but not that one! No, sir, never again; or, anyway, -not for a long, long time! Bert’s ears got very warm and he looked so -long and steadily at Johnny’s old sweater that he could have drawn a -plan of it weeks later and located every hole exactly. Then suddenly -the call-down was over and Mr. Cade was saying cheerfully: “All right, -First! Let’s go now, and stop fooling! Let’s have a first down!” - -But of course Bert wasn’t the only one to incur the coach’s displeasure. -Even as experienced a hand as Nip Storer got his on one occasion. Bert, -standing by while play ceased, felt sympathetic for Nip, but his -sympathy was evidently misplaced since, as soon as Johnny had ended, Nip -turned away with a jovial wink. Well, perhaps after you had played two -years you got hardened, Bert thought. But as for him, he was still -subdued. Chick was on the carpet, also, once, and to Bert it seemed that -Mr. Cade’s voice was just a trifle colder than before. Chick never took -any too kindly to criticism, even from the coach, and he looked slightly -contemptuous, slightly mutinous during the proceeding. Bert wished he -wouldn’t, for Mr. Cade could not fail to notice it, and Bert was fearful -that the coach had already set down more than one black mark against -Chick. - -Thursday there were no misadventures for Bert. He even scored a mild -triumph by breaking away from the congested area after a delayed pass -and streaking something over thirty yards into the less populated -section of the field. He might have kept on and quite lost himself in -the vast open spaces around the Second Team’s goal line if a pesky -long-legged youth named Simpkins hadn’t pursued him and eventually -attached himself to his legs. Bert never had liked the name of -Simpkins, and to-day he liked it less than ever. On Friday the -work-out was light and confined principally to the essentials. But -the Scrub paid a brief visit and indulged the First Team substitutes -in a ten-minute scrimmage. Because of the dismissal of the regulars, -Bert found himself starting the trouble at right half-back, with -Tolman beside him and “Ben” Franklin playing full-back. That wasn’t -much of a contest, for the Second took things into her own hands and -marched up the field after the kick-off in a disgustingly irresistible -manner, pushing the opposition contemptuously aside and eventually -scoring without once losing possession. Bert, among others, was used -rather roughly, and on one occasion caused a cessation of hostilities -while Jake soused him with water and pumped air into his lungs. Such -occasions can be extremely unpleasant while they last, but once over -leave no painful effects, and consequently Bert was both surprised and -indignant when Jake, in charge because Mr. Cade had accompanied the -regulars to the gymnasium, a few moments later called him out. Not -being in such awe of the trainer as he was of the coach, Bert voiced -his indignation when he reached the side-line. - -“What’s the idea, Jake?” he remonstrated. “I’m all right! Losing your -breath isn’t anything to stop playing for!” - -Jake viewed him with a cold and fishy eye and spoke briefly. “Shut your -trap,” said Jake. - -Well, after that there was just one thing to do, and Bert did it. He -shut his trap. - -Scrub threatened a second time, but lost the ball when Parkhurst -intercepted a forward-pass and had to be satisfied with her six -points. Although the session had been but half-length, casualties -were heavy on both sides, with the First Team substitutes receiving -the lion’s share of the injuries. None of them was serious, but they -were uncomfortable enough to engender resentment, and back in the -gymnasium, already deserted by the regulars, acrimonious debate ensued -up and down the aisles between the lockers. Bert, still feeling rather -outraged because of the way in which he had been treated by the Scrub, -and indignant because Jake had pulled him out in the middle of the -fight, was not in a mood for ragging. So, when Laidlaw, a Scrub end, -referred to an occasion when Bert had failed to stop his mad career, -Bert resented it. One word led to another, a shoe was thrown, a bench -was overturned, an appreciative audience, forgetting its own disputes, -closed about and Bert had the extreme satisfaction of knocking Laidlaw -to the floor in something under sixty seconds. Laidlaw, undaunted -if staggered, would have continued the engagement, but Jake issued -wrathfully forth from the rubbing room and made remarks which indicated -that the bout didn’t have his sanction. So the audience, jeering -good-naturedly, dispersed, leaving Bert to fondle a swelling chin and -Laidlaw to staunch a flowing nose. Then Bert came on Laidlaw’s shoe and -politely if coldly returned it to him, and Laidlaw said “Thanks” very -gravely and departed to his shower. And ten minutes later, meeting -on the way out, they both grinned and, without a word uttered, parted -somewhat better friends than before. - -The next morning the Alton Team piled into two busses and hit the trail -for Lorimer, while the School cheered the departure and prepared to -follow later by train. Bert sat beside Chick and was secretly very -elated and somewhat excited. Last season, although he had witnessed -every game that Alton had played away from home, he had never made -the journey with the Team. If proof was lacking of his new status -on the Eleven this happening supplied it. Here he was, with Captain -Jonas, large and good-humoredly taciturn, but two seats away, Chick -at his right shoulder and Hop Meecham at his left, really and truly, -positively and absolutely at last one of the gang! The October morning -was gray and chill, with a suggestion of mist at intervals, but Bert -didn’t know that the sun wasn’t shining! - - - - -CHAPTER X - -CHICK MISSES A FORWARD-PASS - - -Lorimer presented a hefty team that afternoon, one that outweighed -Alton in the line and equaled her in the backfield. And it was a -hard-fighting, aggressive and shifty team as well. It didn’t display -a great variety of plays, but what it showed it knew remarkably well -and used to advantage. Lorimer’s best ground-gainer was a sweep from -kick formation, a play which started slowly enough but gathered -momentum rapidly and, when it reached the line, had all the power -of a war tank. The interference was well placed and effective, the -runner being concealed until well past his end and after that nicely -protected by a moving wall of players. All through the first half of -the game, whenever Lorimer used that sweep she gained, sometimes many -yards--especially when her full-back carried--and sometimes only a few. -Toward the end of the second quarter it was less effective, since the -secondary defense had learned to concentrate on the runner and pay no -heed to the interference as long as the play went toward the side-line, -but even up to the last it was good for some slight gain. Since Lorimer -sent off passes, slid off tackle, plunged at the center and kicked -from that one formation the visitor was kept busy guessing what was -coming. And not infrequently she guessed wrong. - -The first score came as a result of a fumble on the part of the home -team’s quarter on Alton’s thirty-six yards. Billy Haines dived through -on the pigskin and Jim Galvin, on the first play, romped clean through -the Lorimer center for twelve yards. But Jim wasn’t able to repeat -that stunt, and the ball went slowly to Lorimer’s forty-one and a -first down, Jim and Nip Storer alternating on the tackles. Then Alton -tried a sweep herself and, while the play lacked the finish of the -enemy’s performance, Pete Ness swung through for seven yards. Pete -made four more and first down again on a criss-cross outside tackle. -Lorimer braced at her thirty-yard line and two downs went for less than -that many yards. Storer went back to kicking position, but he tossed -the ball over the line to Joe Tate who, although downed where he had -caught, added four yards. Nip Storer tried to put the ball over on a -drop-kick, but it went short and rolled over the line. Lorimer kicked -high and Ted Ball made a fair catch on the enemy’s forty-seven. Ted -carried the ball sixteen yards on a wide end run and Jim Galvin hit the -line twice and reached the twenty-five yards. With four to go on third -down, Ted passed to Nip and Nip hurled twenty yards to Chick. But -Chick failed to quite get into position and the ball grounded. On the -next attempt, standing just inside the thirty-five-yard line, Nip put -the ball over the cross-bar. - -[Illustration: On the next attempt Nip put the ball over the cross-bar] - -There was no more scoring until just before the end of the half. Then -Lorimer, who had twice plugged her way well into Alton territory, the -first time to lose the ball on a fumble, found herself on the enemy’s -twenty-eight on first down. That sweep play netted a scant three yards -and placed the pigskin close to a side-line. A four yard smash straight -through Captain Lowe followed. Then, with three yards to go, Lorimer -prepared for a placement kick. The angle was extreme and Alton warned -against a fake. When the ball went back to the quarter that youth -arose from the ground and passed across to a running end, and the end -scampered off and around the Alton right for half the distance to the -goal before Jim Galvin thumped him down. From the ten yards, although -the Gray-and-Gold contested every foot of the ground, Lorimer pushed -steadily forward, finally thrusting a back through on fourth down for a -scant yard and the coveted touchdown. Goal was missed. - -When play was resumed after the intermission there was but one change -in either line-up, and that change was the substitution of Thomas -for Dozier at left tackle on the Alton team. Other changes came, -but they were few and occurred mostly in the final period, by which -time it seemed fairly apparent that Alton was destined to be on the -short end of a 9 to 6 score. Each team added a field-goal in the third -quarter, Alton following Ted Ball’s forty-two-yard gallop to Lorimer’s -twenty; Lorimer after she had pulled down Storer’s short punt in the -center of the field and desperately worked down to the thirty-one. -Lorimer’s placement goal from the forty-yard line was one of the few -outstanding features of the game. To be sure the ball was directly in -front of the goal, but even so forty yards is a long distance for an -eighteen-year-old foot to accomplish, and after their first instant of -consternation some two hundred Alton supporters applauded generously. -Another outstanding feature of the contest was seen some two minutes -before play ended and was hailed with far less acclaim by the visitors. - -Mr. Cade had begun to relieve the more wearied of his players, and -the line-up showed half a dozen new faces. Captain Jonas, however, -was still in, and so were the first-string ends, Joe Tate and Chick. -Lorimer, too, had introduced fresh material, even more lavishly, and -Alton, after receiving a punt on her thirty-nine yards, was trying -desperately to tie or win. Fitz Savell twice worked himself loose for -short runs and Couch, who had taken Galvin’s place, ripped a hole in -the left of the enemy line and romped through for eight yards before -he was smothered. Keys failed to gain from the Lorimer forty-three, -and Couch faked a forward and then tried the Lorimer left and gathered -in almost enough to win a first down. Savell added the necessary yard -and then, on the subsequent effort, once more shook off the enemy and -reached Lorimer’s twenty-two. There the enemy stiffened and, after two -unsuccessful attempts by Couch and Keys, and with the sands of time -running low, Couch went back to kicking position. He wasn’t much of a -goal kicker, and, although he was standing inside the thirty yards, -those in the Alton section of the stand, even while they shouted -hoarsely for victory, had little hope of a score. What they did hope -was that, since this was only third down, Couch or some one else would -try a forward-pass before risking all on a kick. And, lo, that is just -what Couch did try. - -Taking the pigskin on a pass from center, he retreated to the right, -poising the ball in a generous hand, and, at the last instant of -safety hurled it down the field to where Chick lurked unnoticed of -the defenders. The throw was well-nigh perfect and covered all of -twenty-five yards, and Chick had only to step back a pace to get it, -and, having got it, need only leap across a scant ten yards to turn -defeat into victory. Alton started her pæan of triumph while the -pigskin still spun lazily in its flight, while Lorimer visioned defeat -and sought desperately to reach the unguarded receiver. Chick had -his heroic moment then, poised steady and confident in the path of -the ball. Doubtless every faculty was alert, every nerve tense. And -yet success slipped through his fingers or bounded out of them! The -watchers would have sworn that he had the ball safe, that he had turned -to run, and yet in the next instant the ball was a free agent, arching -maliciously beyond his frantic clutching! It struck the ground, went -bobbing across the side-line, and some two hundred mouths, vocal a -second before, remained open but empty of sound! - -And from somewhere half-way up the stand came a familiar voice in tones -audible on the gridiron. “You’ve got to hold it, Chick,” called Tommy -Parish, “or it’ll get away from you! Guess nobody told you that!” - -Couch made a hopeless try at a goal from the thirty yards, failed -miserably and the ball went to Lorimer. There was no more. - -Bert, who in spite of bright expectations, had viewed the game through -from the substitute’s bench, went dejectedly toward the dressing room. -Every one was unusually silent. He was careful not to look around lest -he encounter Chick’s eyes. He wasn’t ready to look at Chick yet. He -wanted to show sympathy when he did look, and just now he was too -disgusted and downhearted. - -Going back to Alton wasn’t as bad as Bert had feared it would be. -By common consent the game was avoided as a matter for present -conversation. Mr. Cade appeared unaffected by the recent defeat and -talked unconcernedly with Coles Wistar much of the way home regarding -arrangements for the next trip away, a fortnight distant. After Lorimer -had been left well behind the spirits of the fellows lightened and -one even heard laughter, although it wasn’t very hearty yet. Chick’s -attitude surprised and perplexed Bert. Bert thought that if he had been -the one who had fumbled that pass he would be trying to hide under a -seat. Chick, however, seemed to have forgotten the incident entirely -and was in and out of the conversation about him as cheerfully as any. -Perhaps there were others in the bus who considered Chick’s manner -unusual, but Bert could see no indication of it. Well, he did surprise -Captain Jonas once in a long and contemplative regard of Chick, but -Jonas’s countenance conveyed no emotion. Of course there was no use in -crying over spilled milk, reflected Bert, and perhaps a fellow was wise -not to let misfortune prey on his mind, but, just the same, he felt -that Chick was overdoing the composure. - -Even after they were alone in Number 21 Chick’s nonchalant air -continued. Bert was glad that they were obliged to hurry over to -supper, for he was beginning to experience intense exasperation and was -certain that if he remained alone with Chick very long he would say -something offensive. Not a few of the students were still absent from -dining hall when Bert followed Chick over to the training table, and -the former was eager to credit the lack of hand-clapping to that fact. -None of the players got much applause that evening, although Captain -Jonas and Lum Patten, entering late, received fair acclaim. Mr. Cade -was not in his place at the head of the table and Andy Dozier said he -had taken a taxi and hustled over to the Junction to get an early train -home. - -“Wish I could,” sighed Hop Meecham. “We have baked beans and fish-balls -at our house Sunday mornings; and flannel cakes and syrup, too, -generally.” Hop’s countenance assumed a look of intense longing. - -“Know what I think?” asked Nip Storer, sinking his voice. “I think -Johnny’s got a girl! I was in his room two or three days ago and -there’s a whacking big picture of a dame on his mantel that wasn’t -there last year. I’ll bet he’s going to get married, fellows!” - -The theory aroused interest at that end of the long table. “Sure as -shooting!” said Ted Ball. “That’s why he’s going to quit, eh?” - -“If he is,” doubted Billy Haines. “Me, I think that’s just bunk.” - -“Well, I don’t. You hear it everywhere. Say, what’s the girl look like, -Nip?” - -“Some queen, kid! Sort of proud-looking, you know, like one of those -movie dames.” - -“Don’t know that I’d be very keen about hitching up with Johnny if I -was a girl,” said Dozier. “Bet you he will make her toe the mark.” - -“Take the bet,” scoffed Ted. “She’ll gentle him in a week! Say, I had -a cousin who was a major in the World War and got four decorations -and citations and things and was a holy terror over there. Killed ’em -single-handed or lugged ’em in over his shoulder, a couple at a time. -Some boy he was! Well, what happened to him four years ago? Why, he met -a girl who just reached up to the place where he parked his medals and -married her. Some one went by their place about two months after they -got settled and blamed if the Major wasn’t out in the back-yard beating -a carpet!” - -“‘The bigger they are the harder they fall,’” chuckled Nip. “Say, -Johnny will be a regular find when it comes to house cleaning. With -that bristle head of his his wife can clean every rug in the house. And -when it comes to getting the soot out of the stovepipes!” - -“Aw, shut up,” growled Billy Haines. “He isn’t going to get married -and he isn’t going to quit. Bet you that picture’s his sister.” - -“Oh, sure,” jeered Nip, “a fellow always puts his sister’s photo in -a ten-dollar frame and sticks it on the mantel, doesn’t he? Yes, he -does--like fun! Sis gets chucked in the bottom drawer somewhere!” - -“You tell ’em, you Sunday Sheik,” said Meecham. “Your knowledge of such -matters, Nip, makes me fairly shudder!” - -Nip threatened him with a salt-cellar, and, encountering the interested -regard of Mr. Metcalfe, from a near-by table, sprinkled his slice of -toast and apple-butter lavishly before setting the cellar down. - -Bert lost track of Chick after supper. He thought he knew where he -was to be found, but he didn’t seek him. Instead, he dropped into Bus -Lovell’s room and later accompanied Bus and four other youths to a -moving picture theater on the far side of town. The picture was pretty -bad, but they managed to have plenty of fun. - -On Sunday a verse of alleged poetry was going the rounds. Tommy Parish -was credited with the authorship, but he refused to acknowledge it. I -grieve to say that Bert saw it first in church when, during the sermon, -Toby Shelfer slipped him a piece of paper on which was scrawled: “Seen -this? Read it and pass it on. - - “To a football game I went one day - Intent on having fun. - They brought me to with amon-i-a - The day that Alton won!” - -The papers that morning announced that at Lakeville Kenly Hall had -yesterday defeated Mount Millard, 25 to 7. Details were few, but they -weren’t needed at Alton to persuade the fellows that this looked like -another big year--for Kenly! - - - - -CHAPTER XI - -A SHAKE-UP - - -Coach Cade was back on Monday for dinner, and to one or two especially -observant members of the squad he looked more grim and determined than -usual. Instead of sending the squad out to the field at three-thirty -that afternoon he talked to them in the gymnasium for some twenty -minutes. First he took up Saturday’s game and went through it -exhaustively, pointing out mistakes and short-comings. He started with -center and worked through guards, tackles, ends and backs, and it was -surprising how many faults he managed to mention. Finally he said: -“Now, fellows, I’m going to talk plain. We are all in this together. -If I fail in my duties it affects you, and if you fail it comes back -on me. You want to win your games and I want you to, and if you’re to -do it you and I have got to team up and pull side by side from now -on. There’s no getting around the fact that so far we’ve made a poor -showing. You will have to look back over the Alton football records for -many years before you’ll find a season as disappointing as this has -been so far. We’ve played four games and won just one. Not only that -but, against pretty weak teams, we’ve managed to score only 40 points -to the opponents’ 31. You don’t need to have me tell you that there’s -something wrong somewhere. I wish I could tell you what it is, but I -can’t. I’m willing to assume half the responsibility, though, for I -have a hunch that I know one way in which I’ve failed this fall. I’ll -take that up in a minute. What I’m getting at now is that it’s up to -all of us to face the situation and determine to get the best of it. -It’s a time for drastic measures, and I want you to realize it. We -can’t defeat Kenly Hall if we keep on the way we’re going. I’m certain -of that, and those of you who have played here in other seasons know it -too. All right, then. We’ve got to stop taking things for granted and -prove them. That’s what we’ve been doing, fellows, taking things for -granted. Both of us. That’s the mistake I spoke of a minute ago. You -are taking it for granted that you’re going to be able to play winning -football when you get up against Kenly. Probably you know yourselves -capable of it. I think you are capable of it. I’m taking it for -granted, too. That is, I have been. Beginning to-day, though, I’m not.” - -He paused and looked over the half circle of puzzled faces before -he continued. “Beginning to-day, fellows, no one is going to hold a -position on this team because he filled it last season, or because he -thinks himself entitled to it through previous service, or because he -shows promise. Nor for any other reason save just one, which is that he -proves conclusively to my satisfaction that he is the best man for the -job. This goes from top to bottom, from Captain Lowe to the greenest -man on the squad. Captain Lowe may be the best man for the right guard -position; probably he is; but he’s got to show us, you and me both. So -on right through the line-up. You may be all you think you are, all you -ought to be, all I’ve been accepting you as, but, by golly, you’ve got -to prove it. No position is sacred any longer, fellows. If Smith wants -Jones’ job all he’s got to do is go and get it. It’s his if he can play -a better brand of football than Jones. Theoretically this has always -been the rule here, this year as well as other years, just as it is -the general rule at other schools and colleges. Actually, however, it -hasn’t been working very thoroughly, and that’s my fault. Some of you -have--well, hypnotized is the best word I can think of--have hypnotized -me into accepting you at your own valuation, into thinking as you do -that you own your positions. Well, yesterday I woke up. I saw that I’d -been taking far too much for granted. Here’s where I stop being an easy -mark, fellows. And here’s where all mortgages are canceled. How’s that -hit you?” - -Some of the countenances before him looked rather dazed, others showed -grins, but no one replied for an instant. Then Captain Lowe said -calmly: “Suits me, Coach!” And other murmured agreements followed. - -“Good! We’ve got material here plenty good enough to build a winning -team out of, fellows. Let’s do it. Let’s start to-day and build from -the bottom up. There’s time enough. The material’s seasoned, only the -arrangement will be new. Wistar, got a sheet of paper handy? All right. -Put down the names of the fellows, all of them, and classify them as -usual: linemen, ends, backs; and let me have the list when we go out. -There’s one more thing I want to speak of. There’s been far too much -fumbling going on. A certain amount of it’s to be expected at this -season, but we’ve been overdoing it. Saturday’s game was lost through -a fumble, and there were two others which, while recovered fortunately -enough, shouldn’t have occurred. I want to get rid of that stuff, and -if necessary I’ll go back to a half-hour of passing every afternoon. -But I think it’s possible to cure weak fingers in another way. You’ll -remember how in the poem of The Ancient Mariner the man who shot the -albatross had it tied around his neck as punishment. Well, I propose to -adopt a somewhat similar plan. After this too many fumbles will result -in the offender carrying a football around with him wherever he goes: -classes, meals, off the campus, everywhere; and at night it will sit -beside him on a chair at the head of his bed. This isn’t an original -idea; it’s been tried before; but I think it ought to work. Will you -fellows agree to it and make it effective?” - -Agreement was hearty. The idea amused them and, since the discourse -had hitherto been too serious to allow of levity, they laughed -uproariously. Mr. Cade smiled, too, but the smile was rather grim. - -“That’s all, fellows,” he said. “Let’s go out and make up for lost -time.” - -That afternoon practice went off as usual on a Monday, with the accent -on formation drill and the players in Saturday’s game being excused -thereafter. The Second Team engaged a team of substitutes and won -handily in two ten-minute periods. Bert played right half in the first -period and gave way to Keys in the second. Neither of them performed -any deeds calculated to raise their stock, yet Bert found encouragement -in the fact that Coach Cade had selected him to start the scrimmage. -That made it look as if in the coach’s estimation he and Keys were -about on a par. - -A rather garbled and exaggerated version of Mr. Cade’s remarks -circulated about school that evening, and the reactions were varied. -Many dubbed the scheme as suicidal, declaring it too late in the -season to start a reorganization of the team. Others favored the plan, -sometimes remarking vindictively that it would serve some of those -swelled-heads about right if they lost their positions. Then still -others met the news with a pessimistic shrug. It didn’t much matter, -they thought, what Coach Cade did. In any event the team was too -rotten to be saved and another defeat at the hands of Kenly Hall was -inevitable. - -Tommy Parish got the tidings from his room-mate, Billy Pillsbury. Pill -was much excited and predicted disaster. Tommy said: “Soak your head, -Pill. Johnny’s got the right idea at last. I was wondering how long it -would take him to tumble to himself.” - -Pill stared incredulously. “Aw, get out, Tommy! You never thought of -it! I suppose you’ll be saying next thing that you suggested it to -Johnny!” - -Tommy shrugged. “No, I didn’t suggest it to him, but I might have. All -fall fellows like Andy Dozier and Hop Meecham and others I could name -have been sitting pretty and doing just enough to get by. They sure had -Johnny buffaloed! They couldn’t have done it another season, but this -year Johnny has too much on his mind.” - -“How do you mean?” asked Pill, impressed in spite of his determination -not to be. “What’s he got on his mind?” - -Tommy winked soberly. “A girl,” he answered. - -“Oh, piffle! That’s just a yarn. Some fellow saw a photograph on -Johnny’s mantel and started that stuff.” - -“All right, Mister Wisenheimer, you know it all. But you just wait and -see. Pshaw, I know the signs! I’ve got brothers and sisters, Pill, and -I know how they act when they’ve got the bug. It’s fierce!” - -“Well, even if that’s so,” said Pill, “Johnny’s making a bull. You -can’t make over a football team right in the middle of the season. -Gosh, what do you suppose will happen if he gets to monkeying with some -of the guys? They’ll get mad and quit on him cold!” - -“Don’t you be alarmed,” answered Tommy calmly. “There won’t be as many -changes as you might think, son. Let some of those fellows get it into -their beans that they’re going to lose their positions if they don’t -brace up and they’ll brace, take it from me! Bet you there won’t be -four changes in the whole line-up between now and the big game! What -will happen, Pill, is that the whole bunch of loafers will get onto -themselves and do an honest day’s work now and then! You watch, young -Pill.” - -The immediate result was a rather different line-up on Tuesday when -scrimmage began. Kruger had Tate’s place at left end, Nat Wick was -at left guard in lieu of Meecham, Toby Shelfer played right end, and -Fitz Savell had Storer’s job at half-back. As the game progressed -other changes were made. Howard went in for Haines at right tackle, -a practically unknown youth named Walsh sent Jim Galvin out and Bert -relieved Pete Ness at right half. Nor was Mr. Cade through even then, -for, when the scrimmage was almost over, he grabbed a tackle from the -Scrubs and put him in Andy Dozier’s place. Results were not easy to -judge, but at least the First showed more downright fight than it had -exhibited for some time. It pushed the Scrub down the field for sixty -yards in the last period and finally hurled Walsh through for a score. -Since the Scrub had met with a stronger resistance than usual that -touchdown represented the day’s scoring. - -On Wednesday Mr. Cade used two teams against the Second, one for each -ten-minute period, and each grabbed off a touchdown. Bert played right -through on the second line-up--it was difficult to say whether it was -Mr. Cade’s second choice or his first, regulars and substitutes were so -mixed together--and got a nice thirty-yard romp on one occasion that -might have resulted in a score if Don Riding, playing quarter, had not -fumbled. Back in the locker room that afternoon the expressions of -doubt and even consternation on some of the faces might have amused -a disinterested bystander. Jake, the trainer, came nearest to that -character, and Jake smiled more than once while he administered to -contusions and strains and listened to the talk. - -It became noised about on Thursday that Mr. Cade would pick the team to -play Oak Grove according to the performances that afternoon, and not -even Tommy Parish could--or did--complain of indifference or lassitude -on the part of the candidates. Some of the regulars--or those who had -been regulars--moved around with the nervous, anxious alacrity of new -hands, trying to impress the coach with their energy and ambition -against the time when the line-up for the scrimmage with the Scrub -should be announced. Even Captain Jonas looked almost perturbed at -moments. He had heartily agreed to Mr. Cade’s plan, but he sometimes -wished he hadn’t. Jonas wasn’t used to trying to impress folks as being -eager and full of pep! It came hard! - -Mr. Cade drove the First hard that afternoon, and almost every fellow -on the squad saw service before the end. Second was given the ball on -the First’s thirty-yard line a number of times and told to rush it, -field-goals being barred. Once the Scrub scored on a short pass over -the line, but the other times she was forced to yield the ball short -of the goal. She was on her mettle to-day and the First Team linemen -underwent some hard knocks. For that matter, so did the backs, for -there was a weak place on the left of the line that continued all -during the scrimmage, and more than once it was the secondary defense -that stopped the runner. Bert played for some six or eight minutes in -the last period, and, although First was showing what she could do -on attack during most of that time, he was used pretty roughly and -finally emerged with a fine large welt under one eye. As an exhibition -of playing Thursday’s performance was distinctly encouraging, but as -an indication of what Saturday’s line-up was to be it was a failure. -Even on Friday the coach used three or four men for every position, -and surprised his charges by staging a fifteen-minute scrimmage -against the Scrub. Certainly Oak Grove was not a fearsome opponent, -but such hard work the day before a game was well-nigh unprecedented. -It was on Friday that Bert flashed for an instant when, pulling down -a twelve-yard forward-pass over the right of the line, he squirmed -and fought onward for sixteen more before superior weight and numbers -brought him down. In that run he showed a really remarkable ability for -eluding tacklers and throwing off tackles, for he went through half a -dozen of the enemy and squirmed away from others like a greased pig. -And yet, some two minutes later, when the same play was repeated he -failed badly at getting into position for the catch and the ball was -plucked out of the air by the Scrub full-back. Fortune, it seemed, was -a fickle goddess! - -Chick was difficult to live with during the closing days of that week, -for he had been spending much of his time on the bench and resented -it bitterly. Bert’s reminder that a lot of the others were faring the -same way and that, once Mr. Cade got through experimenting, they’d -probably all be back in place again failed of the soothing effect it -was designed to produce. Chick didn’t think well of experiments, and -said so in unmistakable language. “What’s it getting him?” he demanded -that Friday evening. “He’s tried Shelfer and Nast and Savell, and not -one of them has played the position as well as I do. Oh, maybe Savell, -yes, but he’s not such a wonder on defense. He got boxed finely a -couple of times to-day. Johnny will put me back there finally, and he -knows it plaguy well, so what’s the use of letting me miss practice? I -haven’t been in once when that Number 14 play was tried. They’ll use it -to-morrow and then wonder what’s wrong if I don’t get the right man!” - -“I don’t believe he’s in earnest about Fitz Savell,” said Bert. “He -wouldn’t spoil a corking good back.” - -“Of course not! Then what’s the good of making believe? He’s just -losing time. The whole truth of the matter is that Johnny’s up in the -air and doesn’t know what to do about it. So he’s just fiddling around -in the hope that he will light on something. If he would teach us about -four good scoring plays and quit monkeying with his delayed passes and -fake kicks we’d deliver the goods, I’ll bet!” - -“That Number 14 looks pretty good, though, Chick. It fooled the Scrub -all right yesterday and to-day.” - -“The Scrub? Sure! But just let him try it against a wide-awake team -like Mt. Millard a week from now. Why, they’ll eat it up, Bert! There’s -nothing new about it. It’s old stuff to them, I’ll bet.” - -“No, it isn’t new,” said Bert, “but I heard Ted say that it has new -features.” - -“Tackle coming around and going through with the two halfs may be new, -but I don’t believe it makes the play any better. Besides, what’s the -idea of working it from a shift? You can do the same thing from regular -formation. Shucks, I’ve been seeing that old trick ever since I was -knee-high!” - -“I guess what you can call new plays aren’t to be had any more, Chick.” -Bert was glad enough to argue this matter out if only to keep Chick -away from his grievance. “Most everything’s been done already, and -about all a coach can hope to do is dress an old play up in new togs so -it’ll look like a stranger. I don’t believe Johnny will let us use that -Number 14 to-morrow, anyway. I think he’s going to save it for Kenly.” - -“He’s pretty sure to try it on Mt. Millard, because Mt. Millard will -take a lot of licking, old scout. And I’ll bet Mt. Millard will love it -to death, too! Anyway, if he does use it to-morrow it won’t be my fault -if I flub it. He hasn’t worked me in it once.” - -“Oh, you can’t miss, Chick. Defending left half’s your meat. All you do -is block him off.” - -“Just the same, I should have been in on it at least once,” responded -Chick, evidently determined to be displeased. “No fellow can learn -a play just by watching it from the bench or tagging along with the -gallery!” - -But, as it turned out, Chick needn’t have worried himself, for the next -afternoon at two-forty-five Mr. Cade gave out the line-up for the Oak -Grove game and Chick wasn’t mentioned. - - - - -CHAPTER XII - -THE EDITOR CALLS - - -That line-up held some real surprises, and since it was the line-up -that, with but one change, continued to the end of the season it may be -well to set it down here. Left End, Kruger; Left Tackle, Thomas; Left -Guard, Wick; Center, Patten; Right Guard, Lowe; Right Tackle, Haines; -Right End, Savell; Quarter-Back, Ball; Left Half-Back, Storer; Right -Half-Back, Walsh; Full-Back, Galvin. - -The re-forming of the whole left side of the line was a distinct -shock, although lessened by the suspicion that the dumping of Tate -and Dozier and Meecham was only temporary. At any rate the School -entertained that suspicion, but the players themselves were less -optimistic. The placing of Savell at right end was doubtless another -experiment, and the presence of an almost unknown like Larry Walsh in -the backfield was merely a wild flight of fancy on the part of the -coach. So at least those in the stand explained the appearance of -the new claimants. On the bench, away from the hearing of the coach, -speculation was rife and animated. The deposed ones generally accepted -their fate philosophically and smiled. One of them, though, was neither -philosophical nor smiling. Chick’s countenance portrayed a queer -mingling of puzzlement and resentment. Returning from warming up with -the second squad, Bert, although the act savored of treachery, chose a -seat far removed from his chum. He felt very sorry for Chick, but he -knew that he had nothing in the way of condolences that the other would -listen to. - -If Coach Cade was aware of the mild sensation he had created there was -nothing to indicate the fact. He gave his final instructions in his -usual calm and cheerful manner and retired to an end of the bench with -Manager Wistar to observe results. The results were not very startling. -If he or any one else had expected to witness a sudden and radical -change for the better in the playing of the Alton team he was doomed -to disappointment. But probably he was experienced enough to expect -nothing of the sort. The first half of the contest possibly vindicated -his judgment, but it resulted in only one score by the Gray-and-Gold, a -neat placement kick by Nip Storer. Oak Grove put up only a fair grade -of football, presenting a rather decent defense but showing little in -the way of attack. - -The left of the Alton line did well enough, although it was evident -that there was a lack of experience there. Of the three new occupants -of the positions Nat Wick created the best impression. He was -steady and shifty and helped his center well on defense and was a -big improvement over Hop Meecham on attack. Fitz Savell performed -brilliantly, although the opposition was not such as to make his work -exceptional. Larry Walsh failed to distinguish himself at any time -during the game, although he proved to be a hard-working, plugging back -who could be depended on to make a short gain whenever he was used. -Walsh had played on the Second last season without getting into the -lime-light. He was a husky youth, with plenty of weight and a shock -of yellowish hair which, when his head guard fell off, shone like an -oriflamme. In the last period it was Walsh who wore down the defense -and allowed Storer to rip through for Alton’s third score and second -touchdown. - -On the whole that was a dull contest, with Oak Grove never threatening -and Alton using some eight or nine straight plays and relying -on superior kicking to keep her out of tight places. Only two -forward-passes were tried by Alton, and both grounded. On her part, Oak -Grove kept away from the aerial game as far as her opponent until, in -the last period, desperation drove her to it. But she had nothing in -that line that deserved notice. Usually her receiver failed to reach -position and the pass was incompleted, but once Savell took the ball -out of the air and got off a nice run of twenty yards or so. Coach -Cade made several changes during the course of the contest and ran in -a handful of substitutes towards the end, and altogether twenty-one -players took part in administering a 17 to 0 defeat to the visitor. - -The School chose to regard the event as a notable victory, and, -although the pleas of the cheer leaders during the game had elicited -but little cheering, there was a most flattering salvo of applause to -greet the players when they entered Lawrence that evening. Perhaps -the School was glad of an opportunity to applaud and so made the most -of it. Coach Cade, breaking his usual custom of returning to his home -over Sunday, received a lot of clapping and fervid “A-a-ays!” when he -appeared for supper, and must have been slightly surprised thereby -since it had been no secret to him that the student body was somewhat -critical of his conduct of the team. Chick’s appetite was small that -evening, and he had little to say. He appeared to have settled on -cynical dignity as the proper attitude, and maintained it throughout -the meal. Afterwards he disappeared with startling abruptness, and -Bert’s efforts to discover him in any one of several rooms failed. -Bert’s last port of call was Number 5 Lykes, and there he remained -until late, in company with Ted Ball and Coles Wistar and Nip Storer -and Captain Jonas Lowe, while the recent events were discussed fully -and with a frankness that would have interested Coach Cade. The -consensus of opinion was that Johnny had done a brave if dastardly deed -and that, pending results, judgment should be reserved. And Captain -Jonas said stolidly: “’S long’s we beat Kenly ’s all right with me!” - -“You,” quoth Coles, “might be expected to view the--er--affair -philosophically, Jonas. You’re not out of a job.” - -Jonas grinned, but made no reply. Perhaps an answer was brewing in -his mind, but just then Hop Meecham and Pete Ness stopped in with the -cheering news that Kenly Hall had been beaten by Trinity Freshmen that -afternoon, 14 to 6. “Just came over the radio in Borden,” said Hop. -“And Yale beat the Army, and Notre Dame beat-- Who was it, Pete?” - -“Canal Zone Polytechnic Institute, wasn’t it?” - -“Oh, shut up! Anyhow--” - -“Sure about Kenly, though?” asked Nip Storer. “I don’t know how good -Trinity Freshmen are, but I hope they’re rotten!” - -“They sang off a lot of other scores, and I told Pete to remember them, -but I’ll bet he hasn’t,” said Hop. “What were they, Dumb-bell?” - -Pete shrugged. “All I remember is Mount Millard and Banning, Mt. -Millard won. I forget the score: 26 to something, I think; maybe it was -26 to 14.” - -“Who cares?” asked Ted Ball. “The question interesting me is what’ll -the score be next Saturday?” - -“Oh, we’ll win,” said Nip. “We can’t have any more rotten luck!” - -“I’d like to believe it,” answered Coles. - -“Say,” asked Hop, “heard about the new club just started? Called the -Garbage Pail. Very exclusive. Only five members so far. I’m president -and Pete’s secretary, or something. I’d be glad to propose you guys -only you’re not rotten enough--yet!” - -“Johnny,” said Pete, “has just been elected to Ornery Membership. -It wouldn’t be a bad idea for some of you chaps to fill out your -applications soon. You might be eligible in a day or two.” - -“And that’s no Mother Goose tale!” said Nip. “Every time Johnny looks -my way I start to pull my head guard off and write out my resignation. -Keep a place in the Pail for me, Hop!” - -“Say, what about it, Cap?” asked Pete. “Are we down-and-out, or is -Johnny just having a joke with us?” - -“Guess he means it,” answered Jonas soberly. “You fellows want to hump -yourselves.” - -“You watch me,” said Hop. “If Nat Wick gets my job for keeps that -lad’s got to go some! Mind you, I’m not blaming Johnny, either. I’m -free to confess that our side of the line’s been pretty punk, and Andy -Dozier and I had it coming to us. Joe, too, I guess. As for Pete, every -one knows how rotten he’s been!” - -“Is that so?” growled Pete. - -“I thought I was playing a pretty nice game,” went on Hop reflectively, -“but I guess I wasn’t. Anyhow, something was sure loose on that side -and maybe it was me. I’d hate like the deuce to think I was dumped for -good, though.” - -“Pshaw,” said Coles, “Johnny means to have you back there, Hop. As -Jonas says, get out and hump, son!” - -“Oh, I’m going to hump,” Hop assured him. “You won’t know me from a -dromedary by Monday!” - -Bert got back to Number 21 well before ten o’clock and found an empty -room. What time Chick returned Bert never knew, but it was certainly -well after ten. - -Sunday’s paper corroborated the radio announcement of Kenly’s -defeat, but since one of the opponent’s touchdowns had been due to -an intercepted forward-pass in midfield and the other scored in the -last minute or two of the game, when the Kenly Hall team had contained -numerous substitutes, there was less encouragement to be derived -from it. According to the correspondent’s account of the affair Kenly -had played better football; although, as Chick pointed out when Bert -drew his attention to the statement, the correspondent was naturally -prejudiced. - -Living with Chick that Sunday was a good deal like being holed up -with a disgruntled bear, Bert secretly thought. And since it rained -hard from early dawn to darkness, there wasn’t much chance of getting -out of the hole for long. Church attendance was canceled in the -forenoon, at which time the rain was descending in torrents and the -streets were rivers, and even at one o’clock nothing save hunger -would have taken Bert to Lawrence Hall. Chick was a pessimist to-day. -Not an ordinary pessimist, either, but something exceptional, a sort -of hyper-super-pessimist. Nothing was right for Chick. The weather -was a personal affront, the newspaper was dull, his fountain pen -was execrable, letter writing was a task invented by the devil and -having to go out for dinner in the rain was a crime. Chick was pretty -certain that he would catch cold and die within a few days, or so Bert -gathered. Chick didn’t flare up over any of the sorry tricks Fate was -playing on him. He was just morose and hopeless, abjectly, profoundly -hopeless. He didn’t seem to want to talk on any subject that Bert could -think of. And when he wasn’t talking he managed to give Bert the idea -that as a companion for a rainy day, he, Bert, was a total loss! - -Bert was heartily glad when Homer Johnson came in after dinner and -made a third. Homer was Captain of the Baseball Team, and just at -first he made it appear that it was in that capacity he had called, -for he tried to get Chick to agree to join the early season squad. As -a member of last season’s team, Chick was exempt from the first two -weeks of indoor practice, but Homer spoke movingly of needing coaching -assistance and Chick, perhaps because he didn’t expect to be alive -in February, grudgingly consented. Homer was also Editor-in-Chief of -the Doubleay, and the real motive for his visit became apparent when, -the baseball business being concluded, he introduced the subject of -football. Did Chick consider that Mr. Cade had made a success of his -work this season? Bert expected animation from Chick at last, but he -was disappointed. Even the opportunity to discuss Johnny failed to -arouse him from the depths of his despair. He said he guessed Johnny -was doing as well as any one could. - -“There’s a good deal of talk about the changes he made for yesterday’s -game, Chick,” said Homer. “A lot of the fellows think he has sort of -lost his grip this fall. It does look as if he was a bit panicky, -doesn’t it? I mean changing the team this way in the middle of the -season.” - -“Maybe,” said Chick gloomily. “Better ask him, hadn’t you?” - -Homer laughed lightly. “That’s not a bad idea. But I was curious to -know how the players themselves felt about it, you see. We try, in the -Doubleay, to reflect School opinion, Chick, and of course you fellows -on the team have a far better notion of how things are going than the -rest of us. We don’t mean to quote any one’s opinions personally, you -understand. What we’re after is to find out how the players themselves -size up the present situation, what their reaction is to this sudden -and apparently high-handed displacing of so many veteran members of the -Team. There’s no question but what the coach is doing what he considers -best, Chick, but _is_ it best? Doesn’t a thing like this play hob with -the Team’s _esprit de corps_? Isn’t it disorganizing? You see what I -mean?” - -Chick viewed him balefully. “Sure, I see what you mean. You want me to -grouch and throw Johnny down. Nothing doing, Homer. You go see Johnny -himself and ask him if he’s cuckoo. I don’t know.” - -“Well, you’re not very helpful,” laughed Homer. “What do you say, -Hollins?” - -“I say it’s poor policy for the Flubdub to criticize the coach in the -middle of the season,” answered Bert. “Mr. Cade’s done mighty well -since he’s been here, hasn’t he? What’s the idea in jumping to the -conclusion that he’s going to make a mess of it this year?” - -“No one suggests that he’s making a mess of it,” Homer protested. “And -as for criticism, why, if it’s helpful Coach Cade is the last one to -resent it. A football coach is only human, Hollins, and he’s liable to -make mistakes of judgment. In that case he ought to be glad to find it -out in time to make--er--correction. Gosh, the Doubleay isn’t trying -to ride John Cade, Hollins. All we’re trying to do is deal truthfully -with affairs of the School and--and present, when we can, wise counsel. -Now--” - -“Applesauce,” moaned Chick. - -“Oh, all right!” Homer arose and prepared for departure. “I don’t -see why you’re so blamed grouchy, Chick. If you had to get out this -confounded paper each week you’d be a bit more--more sympathetic. But -if you don’t want to talk, don’t.” - -“Don’t,” muttered Chick. - -Homer retreated in good form, and after the door had closed Chick said: -“Got a lot, didn’t he?” - -“I’m glad you didn’t bite,” answered Bert. “After all, whether Johnny -is right or wrong, trying to make a sensation of it in the Flubdub -isn’t going to help. And naturally a chap who was dropped from the -line-up Saturday isn’t going to talk about it!” - -“Huh! I could have given him an earful if I’d wanted to,” muttered -Chick. “I’ve got an opinion, all right!” - -“Well, I’m glad you didn’t spill it to Johnson.” - -“Yeah, he gives me a pain,” said Chick sadly. - - - - -CHAPTER XIII - -AROUND THE END - - -November arrived that week with several days of unseasonably warm -weather, and football practice, which had started off on Monday with -much zest, slowed up. More than one of the deposed players lost his -ambition to regain his place as the mercury mounted under the influence -of a sun that shone with the ardor of August; or, if his ambition -remained, his efforts waned perceptibly. Jake decreed a let-up in -the drive and Coach Cade was forced to obey. That was a worrisome -week for the coach. There were several injuries, the players showed -a disposition to lag, the recent changes in the make-up of the team -were not yielding the hoped-for results, criticism was rampant and a -graduate who had agreed to appear that Wednesday and coach the linemen -wrote that he wouldn’t be able to arrive before the week following. -While all the injuries were minor affairs save one, they nevertheless -kept the fellows out of practice for periods varying from one day to -four, and at a time when the services of every member of the squad were -greatly needed. With the Mt. Millard game looming up on Saturday, Coach -Cade found himself far from prepared. The Team was showing a fairly -good brand of defensive playing, but anything like a consistent attack -was still lacking. The punters, at least two of whom had promised -extremely well at the beginning of the season, had not made the -expected progress, and in that feature Alton was deficient. Mt. Millard -invariably gave the Gray-and-Gold a stern battle, and, because she had -won almost as often as she had lost, had come to be regarded as a foe -only second in importance to Kenly Hall. Alton always made earnest -preparation for Mt. Millard and tried mightily to put over a victory. -This fall the game was to be played on the adversary’s own grounds, at -Warren, a circumstance not favoring Alton. - -There was a good stiff work-out on Tuesday, with the First battering -the Scrub in an endeavor to build up an attack and not succeeding -especially well. Mr. Cade used two sets of backs and saw them both -subdued by the Second. On Wednesday and Thursday hard work was made -impossible by the heat and the coach counted the days as practically -lost. Friday was more moderate and, despite Jake’s disapproval, he put -the squad through a full session. The Scrub got trounced roundly that -afternoon, the First putting over three touchdowns and kicking goals -after two of them. The First played without the services of Patten, -at center, and Ball, at quarter. Patten was nursing a wrenched knee -sustained on Wednesday, and Ted was favoring an ankle which was causing -Jake much perplexity and some worry. First scored twice on plunges at -the line varied by sweeps and once on a short pass, Couch to Kruger. -The Second never got nearer the opponent’s goal than the twenty-four -yards, from where, after two forward-passes had failed, she attempted -a drop-kick only to have it blocked. Both teams were pretty well -played-out by the end and Jake shook his head dismally over them. - -Bert saw his share of work that week, alternating with Keys in the -second set of backs. He did well on several occasions, not so well on -others. Once through the line or around an end, Bert could be counted -on to make good gains, but lack of weight handicapped him frequently -when the play called for beef and brawn. On such occasions Larry Keys -was the better of the two. On defense, however, Bert was showing -himself more than Larry’s equal, for he seemed to have an uncanny -ability to tell where the play was coming through and a speed not -possessed by his rival. He was confident that he had improved in his -playing a good deal in the course of the season, but he was equally -aware of his shortcomings as a line plunger and inclined to believe, -with Chick, that he would have to wait until next year to really make -good. - -Chick was maintaining his attitude of wounded dignity, an attitude -which didn’t sit well on him and which his team-mates resented and -ridiculed. Many of them got sorely out of patience with Chick about -this time and perhaps wondered how they had ever come to consider -him for the captaincy. The things which had made for popularity were -conspicuously absent, and he had become what Ted Ball called “snorty.” -Nevertheless Chick managed to play some good football that week and -possibly caused Mr. Cade to wonder whether he had made a mistake in -shifting him out of the first line-up. Off the field he seemed to -Bert about the same old Chick, save that he was a trifle moody and -had periods of testiness during which he was hard to get along with. -He pretended that he didn’t care much whether he or Savell ended the -season in possession of his old position and managed to convey the idea -that he considered it below his dignity to compete for it. Just the -same he did compete, and Fitz was seldom more than a leap ahead in the -race during that week. He still played pool three and sometimes four -evenings out of seven, but he generally managed to get to bed if not -promptly by ten, at worst a few minutes after. Bert gathered that luck -still favored Mr. Devore, although Chick had become close-mouthed on -the subject of his favorite pastime. - -All Alton journeyed to Warren on Saturday. The town was a small, -sleepy place, with elm-shaded streets and old white houses at wide -intervals, and when the Gray-and-Gold cohorts descended upon it, as -they did every other fall, it seemed to fairly shiver with outrage. -Mt. Millard School lay on the outskirts of the village, at the end of -a wide and shadowed street from which this afternoon clouds of dust -arose under the tread of the invaders. There was no lofty eminence in -sight to account for the school’s name, but the buildings did occupy -a perceptible rise in the landscape, beyond which, on a level plateau -of still verdant sod, stretched the playing field. As the day, while -not nearly so hot as the middle of the week, was decidedly warm, the -visitors were grateful for the shade supplied by a row of giant elms -that traversed one edge of the field. Scorning the half of a small -grandstand reserved for them, they made themselves comfortable on -the grass, while those of affluence and foresight produced provender -purchased on the way and did their best toward supplying the school -caretakers with a real day’s work for Monday. - -Alton took the field at three with the same line-up used last week with -the exception of Lovell for Ball at quarter-back. Ted’s ankle was still -“backward in coming forward” and, although Jake had consented to his -playing if necessity required, he had resigned himself to an afternoon -of idleness. Mt. Millard had requested shortened periods in deference -to the warmth and thirteen- and twelve-minute quarters had been decided -on. Alton won the toss and chose to receive the kick-off and the -contest started. - -Nip Storer caught near his fifteen yards and found the enemy presenting -a tough resistance to his advance and was satisfied with reaching -the twenty-two. A wide sweep, with Jim Galvin carrying the ball from -kicking position netted all but one yard of the required ten, and after -Nip had failed to get the distance on a plunge at guard he punted to -Mt. Millard’s thirty-three. Dutch Kruger was on hand when the local -quarter-back got the ball and stopped the latter for a two-yard gain. -Mt. Millard tried out Thomas and made two and swung around Savell’s end -for three more. A heave over the center grounded and the ball sailed -back to Alton’s twenty where Lovell caught, fumbled and recovered on -the twenty-seven. The Gray-and-Gold used the sweep play and crossed the -middle of the field in six downs. There, however, Lovell again fumbled -and Mt. Millard got the pigskin. A thrust at Meecham yielded a couple -of yards and the quarter skimmed Savell for three more. On third down -a double pass, with the ball finally going off toward the side line to -a waiting end, almost succeeded, but Kruger leaped into the air at the -last possible instant and knocked the oval down. Mt. Millard faked -a punt and made it first down with a six yard run by full-back. Two -slams at the left of the line netted five yards and a criss-cross sent -a back grinding off Haines for three more. Again a punt was faked and -Mt. Millard threw straight over center and well down the field for a -sixteen-yard advance that put the ball on Alton’s twenty-four. There -Alton braced and on two plunges the opponent lost three yards. A fake -forward-pass became a wide sprint by left half, but he was tumbled by -Thomas and it was fourth down with nine to go and the pigskin close -to a side-line. It was then that the home team won the visitor’s vast -respect. - -The angle was too sharp to allow of a field-goal attempt with any hope -of success. Nine yards had to be gained if possession of the ball -was to be retained. Alton’s line had so far proved too strong for -assaults between tackles. Consequently there remained, apparently at -least, three courses for Mt. Millard. She could try a forward-pass, -an off-tackle play or an end run. To Alton the forward-pass seemed -the likeliest, since Mt. Millard had shown herself able to gain in -that manner. Consequently when the home team sent her kicker back to -position well over the thirty-yard line the adversary was sure that -a heave across the line would follow, and her backs formed to cover. -That the Mt. Millard quarter patted the ground smooth and knelt to -receive the pass from center failed to alter the enemy’s mind. All that -elaborate preparatory stuff was as old as the hills! The ball would -shoot straight to the full-back, who had been on the forwarding end of -two of Mt. Millard’s heaves, and he would throw. But Alton was due to -see a play new in her experience. - -While it is an extremely difficult feat to kick the ball over the -bar and between the uprights from a position on the thirty-yard line -close to the boundary, it is not particularly difficult to accomplish -the same thing from a position in front of the goal. And, of course, -the difficulty decreases as the center of the line is approached. -Doubtless this thought occurred to the Mt. Millard quarter, for when -the ball left the hands of the center it didn’t go to the kneeling -quarter but to the left half, standing some four yards back of the -left guard-tackle hole. At the signal the full-back started across -the field, followed, when the ball went into play, by the right half -and quarter. Left half turned with the ball and, just as the defense -yielded behind him, threw it across to the full-back. The pass was -lateral and a good fifteen yards in length. Full-back made a clean -catch of it, continued for another three or four strides and stopped -abruptly. Right half-back and quarter met the first of the enemy, and -at that moment the full-back’s leg swung, the ball rebounded from the -sod, was met by a capable foot and went upwards and away just as Alton -reënforcements came up. The drop-kick was made from a point some eight -yards short of the middle of the field and close to the twenty-eight -yards, and the ball sailed squarely over the center of the bar! - -Of course it was an absolutely impossible sort of play. It just -couldn’t be done! Alton blankly assured herself of that. But the -assurance brought no consolation since, you see, it had been done! Mt. -Millard’s supporters went quite crazy with delight and the full-back -was pummeled by his enthusiastic team-mates. Alton recovering from -her surprise, congregated about the officials and protested the play. -Captain Jonas declared, doubtfully though, that a drop-kick following -a side pass was illegal, but, when instructed to point to the rule -covering the point, he could only shake his head. - -Mt. Millard’s name on the small score-board above the stand was graced -by an excited youth with a large figure 3 and the game proceeded. That -lone tally was unchanged when the half ended. - -There had by that time been three changes in Alton’s line-up, all -in the second quarter. Cahill had gone in at center for Lum Patten, -whose game knee had received a further indignity, Ness had superseded -Storer and Keys had taken Walsh’s place at right half. Walsh had -shown up rather poorly on defense. Nip had been retired that he might -be returned later in fresh condition. In the draped-off corner of the -gymnasium floor during the fifteen minutes between the halves Coach -Cade talked very quietly and convincingly. They had, he told them, -shown themselves able to stop Mt. Millard’s line attack. Consequently, -the adversary would undoubtedly rely more strongly than before on her -aerial game. And she would get away with it unless Alton watched more -closely and covered the opposing eligibles. “You must stop trying to -guess the play, fellows. You can’t do it against a team like the one -you’re up against to-day. The only way to find what the play is going -to be is to use your eyes and your brains and, above all, watch the -ball! Don’t think that the enemy is going to do a certain thing just -because it’s what you’d do in her case. She’s got a clever quarter -in there and he has caught you napping twice already. Watch the ball -every minute and follow it close. That’s the only way you’ll stop Mt. -Millard.” - -The third quarter was Mt. Millard’s, although there was no scoring. A -forlorn attempt from Alton’s thirty-seven yards to put the ball over -from a placement kick failed badly some five minutes after the start. -Still later, after Alton had made a fine but futile drive down the -field from her own thirty-eight to Mt. Millard’s thirty-six, the home -team took possession of the ball and by plays off the tackles, two -forward passes that netted but twelve yards and a twenty-odd-yard dash -by the left half worked the pigskin back to the visitor’s twenty-eight. -There it was when the third quarter ended. - -Nip Storer had already returned to his position at left half and Patten -was back at center. Nat Wick, hurt in a savage attack at his position, -had yielded to Hop Meecham. Now another change was made, for Ted Ball -hobbled on and relieved Bus Lovell. Not that Bus appeared to view it -as a relief, however! With two downs remaining, Mt. Millard tried -her familiar trick of faking a kick and threw forward. Dutch Kruger, -though, had his man covered well and the ball grounded. The Mt. Millard -full-back strode off to the thirty-seven yards and held out his arms. -But before his foot reached the ball Billy Haines was on top of him -and the kick only sent the pigskin bounding back from Billy’s body. -Followed a wild and frantic pursuit that was finally ended when Fitz -Savell fell on the ball close to the forty-five-yard line. - -Alton now brought her heavy artillery into play, hurling Jim Galvin -and Storer at the wings on short plunges that twice won first downs -and took the ball to Mt. Millard’s thirty-three. There, however, the -enemy closed up, and after a sweep to the right, with Keys carrying, -had failed of more than a yard Galvin tossed across the center to -Savell who was downed where he caught for a six-yard gain. Jim smashed -out two more at center with Number 14. (The delayed pass play had -been used but twice before that afternoon and had failed each time, -seeming to prove Chick’s contention that it wouldn’t fool a wide-awake -opponent.) But this time it succeeded, if not greatly, and left the -pigskin less than a yard short of the distance. Ted Ball asked for time -and conferred with Captain Jonas. Ted favored a field-goal and a tied -score, for, with Storer drop-kicking from the thirty-three yards and -almost in front of goal, the chance was excellent. But Captain Lowe -held other views. The game was close to its end and in his judgment a -tied score was tantamount to defeat, and Jonas wanted a victory. While -they were still talking, two substitutes ran on. These were Tyron and -Hollins, relieving Nip Storer and Larry Keys. Nip raged and Ted Ball -protested, but rage and protest carried no weight with the official. -Nip went off, plainly incensed, followed more mildly by Keys, and Ted -knew that Captain Jonas had won the argument. With Storer out of the -backfield there was no one remaining who could be relied on for a -field-goal. Of course Coach Cade had sided with Jonas and this was his -way of announcing the fact. Johnny, too, chose to gain all or lose -all, and Ted studied the situation. Tyron was a heavy back who had -remained a third choice all season. Hollins was a light, fast player -who must be provided with safe conduct through the enemy lines before -he could prove his value. But Hollins too had more than once completed -a forward-pass for a good gain. Ted’s brows wrinkled while he used up -every second of the two minutes he had demanded. When the whistle blew -he had made his decision. - -Of course he must set the stage for a field-goal first, and that he -did. But when he called his signals Tyron shouted “Over! Over!” That, -Ted reflected bitterly, was like the dumb-bell! Tyron could carry a -ball and batter a line, but his was no agile brain! Ted called the play -again, changing the first signals, and waited until a show of relief on -Tyron’s countenance indicated that the idea had percolated to the seat -of reason. Then he repeated and the ball went back. - -But not to Galvin, back in kicker’s place. It went to Ted, and Ted -swung around with it and, after a tick of time, tossed it toward a -speeding form. The whole Alton backfield was moving to the left now, -and not only the backfield but Captain Jonas and Hop Meecham and, last -of all, Fitz Savell, following around as rear guard. Tyron headed the -interference, Bert carried, Galvin ran beside the latter. It was Jim -who met the enemy right end and heaved him aside. Bert found himself -slowed by Tyron and swung outside as the defensive end went down. Then -he wheeled sharply and cut in. A back lunged toward him out of the -mêlée, but Savell charged between, and Bert, his head up and eyes busy, -saw the open road ahead. - - - - -CHAPTER XIV - -DEVORE COMES TO COLLECT - - -When he thought about it afterwards, and he did think about it a good -deal during the next day or two, it seemed to Bert that it had been -absurdly simple, that dash from the enemy’s twenty-four to the goal -line and over. To be sure, just at the last the Mt. Millard quarter had -forced him well toward the boundary, but he had never been seriously -challenged after he had cut through and he had crossed the last streak -of lime with his head up and a watchful eye on the approaching safety -man; crossed it, indeed, with an unconscious unconcern that had added -to the joy of the already ecstatic Alton watchers. It had been very -easy, and, while he was human enough to like the applause he had won, -and the enthusiastic pummelings of his team-mates, and all the nice -things that had been said to him since, he was convinced that any of -his fellow players would have turned the trick just as neatly as he -had and that, when all was considered, he had mighty little title to -the rôle of hero. Of course he had done his best, had used his head -and his speed, but there was no getting around the fact that it was -perfect interference that had won that touchdown and the Mt. Millard -game. If Jim Galvin had missed the end, if Fitz Savell hadn’t taken out -that back, if, in short, the whole team of eleven players hadn’t each -performed his part perfectly, the play would have fizzled. Where then, -reflected Bert, was the glory? Surely the credit should be equally -apportioned amongst the team and not given all to him. He was dimly -regretful that this was so and wished that he might have somehow really -earned the honor that had been accorded him; wished that he might have -got away without the help of an army of interferers and made the run on -his own. He could have been proud of that. As it was he felt apologetic -toward the other fellows of the team and wondered if they were not -secretly amused, perhaps nettled, at the praise he was receiving. They -didn’t appear to be, though. In fact, they had behaved quite as if -that touchdown had been a one-man job, a personal triumph for Bert. He -couldn’t understand that at first. - -He would have liked to talk the affair over at length with Chick that -Saturday evening, but Chick, while he was about, was not an inviting -recipient of confidences. Chick was steaming mad. He had remained on -the bench all during the game. Even after Bert had pulled the contest -out of the fire with that dash for a touchdown and Coach Cade had -strengthened the team here and there with fresh material in order to -hold the enemy during the succeeding three minutes, Chick had not -been called on. Shelfer had relieved Savell, and Chick had looked -on incredulously. Afterwards he had been bitter toward the coach, -declaring that Johnny was trying to humiliate him, threatening to go -over to the other’s lodgings and have it out with him, on the verge of -quitting the team. Bert had tried to pour oil on the troubled waters -and the oil had ignited. Chick had sneered that of course Bert couldn’t -see anything wrong because Johnny was treating him decently; even -better than he deserved, Chick seemed to intimate. Bert had frozen up -at that and a little later Chick, still hectic with anger, had taken -himself away. Bert had hoped that he wasn’t off to Coach Cade’s to -carry out his threatened intention of informing Johnny what he thought -of him, and had been half inclined to follow and prevent such a break, -but reflection reassured him. Chick was angrier than Bert had known -him to be for a long time, and when he was angry he was capable of -extremes, but it wasn’t likely that he would do anything as suicidal -as that. He hadn’t seen Chick again that evening, but on Sunday Chick -let out that he had played pool with Lester Devore, and borrowed all of -Bert’s available funds, amounting to four dollars and a half, to pay -for his fun. - -“For the love of Pete!” exclaimed Bert. “How much did you lose?” - -“Oh, this is some I’ve been owing him,” replied Chick evasively. “He -always wins, the lucky stiff! I’ll pay you back next week.” - -“I’m not worrying about getting it back,” said Bert, frowning. -“But--but, great Scott, Chick, that’s a pile of money to lose!” - -“Don’t I know it?” demanded the other peevishly. “That’s what I’m sore -about. He gets all the breaks, hang him, and I haven’t had a stroke of -luck at that game for two weeks!” - -“Why not quit?” asked Bert. - -“And let him get away with nearly--with a whole bunch of my coin?” -inquired Chick amazedly. “That’s a swell idea! I’m going to keep after -that bird till I pluck him, and pluck him good and close!” - -“It’s my hunch that he’s a tough bird,” said Bert wryly. - -“Tough? He’s just a fool for luck, that’s all he is. By the way, he’s -coming up this afternoon after this money. If you’re here and I’m not -slip it to him, will you? I’ll leave it here on the corner of the -table.” - -“How much?” asked Bert from the window-seat. - -“Eight,” answered Chick. “Tell him that’s all-- No, never mind. Don’t -tell him anything. I’ll probably be in, anyhow.” - -“Try to, will you?” said Bert. “You know, Charles, I don’t warm to that -Mr. Devore much.” - -“Oh, he’s all right except for being a lot luckier than the law allows.” - -“Maybe, but I don’t crave to entertain him. I’ll be over in Lykes -around five o’clock, so--” - -“What are you going over there for?” interrupted Chick. - -“I told Ted Ball I’d be over. He seemed to think my presence would add -to his happiness. Better come along.” - -“I’m going to play some golf with Dozier at three. I suppose Ted’s -going to tell you how good you are, eh?” - -“If he does I promise not to believe him,” answered Bert good-humoredly. - -“Oh, yes, you will! You’ll get a swelled head like all the rest of the -heroes; like Ted himself for that matter. What’s become of the sports -section?” - -“Here you are.” Bert pulled a portion of the Sunday paper from beneath -him and tossed it across. “That was some game at Lakeville yesterday. -Have you read it? Kenly fairly mowed ’em down, eh?” - -“Just as she’ll mow us down a couple of weeks from now,” growled Chick. -“If you want to make a killing, Bert, put up some money on her. I know -where you’ll be able to place it when the time comes.” - -“Bet against my own team?” asked Bert. “I’d be likely to, wouldn’t I?” - -“I suppose you wouldn’t risk a dollar either way,” said Chick -pityingly. “When it comes to betting, old scout, one team looks just -like another to me. I’d as soon pull down a ten dollar bill on Kenly as -on Alton.” - -“I don’t believe it. Anyhow, you’re not thinking of doing it, I hope.” - -“Why not?” demanded Chick impatiently. “You bet to win, don’t you? -Think I’d back Alton if she was certain to get licked?” Then, as he -caught the troubled expression on the other’s face, he added: “Oh, -well, I’m not likely to have much money to bet on football games, I -guess, the way the luck’s running.” - -“I hope you don’t have a blamed cent,” replied Bert shortly, “if you’d -use it that way!” - -“Well, I guess you’ll get your wish,” Chick grunted. - -As it turned out, it was, after all, Bert who received Lester Devore -when that gentleman came to Number 21 about half-past four. Chick -had predicted his return before that hour, but he was still absent. -Mr. Devore was attired most becomingly for Sunday afternoon in a -suit of gray plaid, a purplish-gray felt hat, a violet shirt and a -burnt-orange--or possibly henna--scarf pierced by a pearl stickpin. Mr. -Devore was what you might call a tasty dresser. Still, Bert wondered if -he hadn’t perhaps done the chap an injustice, for he had a likable look -and his manners were not at all bad as he accepted Bert’s invitation -to sit down and await Chick’s return. Perhaps it would have been -better had he pulled his sharply-creased trousers up at the knees less -impressively, but that was a very little thing after all. Bert offered -the weather as a subject of discourse and Devore’s conversation was -worthy of polite society. He didn’t swear once. He admired the room -and expressed curiosity about some of its features, a curiosity which -Bert courteously gratified. Then Devore said, smiling: “Guess you feel -pretty good to-day, eh, Hollins? You won that game, and no error!” - -“Oh, did you see it?” asked Bert. - -“No, I couldn’t get away, but I was talking with a fellow who was over -to it. He said you made a sweet run. Right through the other team, he -said, and never hurried!” - -“He was slightly mistaken, though,” said Bert dryly, “for I certainly -did hurry.” - -“Yeah, I guess you had to! But this guy--this fellow said you fooled -’em all pretty clever. Good game, eh?” - -“We think so,” answered the host, aware that his dislike of Devore was -returning. “We naturally would.” - -“Sure.” Devore chuckled. “Make anything?” - -“Make anything?” Bert looked puzzled. “Only that touchdown.” - -Devore laughed. “I meant did you have any money up. But I guess those -Mt. Millard kids aren’t very sporty. Say, what do you think of our -chances in the scrap with Kenly, eh?” - -“Our chances?” - -“Yeah, Alton’s. Who’s going to win that, would you say?” - -“I wouldn’t say,” replied Bert. “Kenly’s got a pretty good team, I -guess, and seems to be getting better every day. What we’ve got no one -seems to know yet.” - -“That’s right. It’s no cinch either way, I figure. Only thing is, -Hollins, Kenly has the science, if you get me. Look at last year. Lots -of guys said you fellows had ought to had that game. But it seemed -like the other guys had the sign on you. That’s science, ain’t it? -Sure. Well, I figure it might be like that again. Over at Lakeville -they think pretty good of that team. I know because I’ve got friends -over there and I hear ’em talk. Still, that ain’t saying we mightn’t -spring a surprise on ’em, is it? Some play they don’t know about, -or something, eh? I wouldn’t want to bet you fellows haven’t got -something sweet up your sleeve, Hollins.” - -Devore smiled engagingly, inviting confidence. Bert shrugged. “Maybe. A -team usually saves something for the final game.” - -“Of course. And if it’s good it turns the trick, don’t it? I heard you -fellows were working up a pretty sweet forward-passing game and sort of -keeping it under cover, but maybe that isn’t a fact.” - -“I don’t think it is a fact. So far our forward-passing isn’t anything -to boast of, Devore.” - -“That so? I haven’t been able to see you fellows in action yet, so I -don’t know much about your game. What do you think Cade means to spring -on those Kenly bozos?” - -“Really, I can’t say. Probably he will just trust to good, hard -football.” - -“He might do worse,” said Devore thoughtfully, his gaze returning again -to the folded bills on the corner of the table. The money left by Chick -appeared to interest him a great deal. Bert wished that Chick would -return. So, perhaps, did Devore, for after a moment he said: “Looks -like he wasn’t coming back, eh? Maybe I’d better beat it. He didn’t say -anything about some money he owed me, did he?” - -Bert nodded. “Right at your elbow.” - -Devore took it with elaborate hesitancy, but his eyes lighted as he -did so. He counted the notes and then turned a swift, frowning look on -Bert. “What’s the idea?” he asked sharply. “There’s only eight here!” - -“So he told me,” said Bert. “Possibly that’s all he had handy. Should -there be more?” - -Devore laughed wryly. “I’ll say there should! Why, that guy owes me -eighteen-seventy-five, and he’s been pushing me back for a week. Say, -what’s the idea, eh? Ain’t he got plenty of it, or what? He talked like -he was filthy with the stuff; about his father being a banker and how -he had his own private billiard table at home and all that. Stringing -me, eh?” - -“No, I don’t think so,” answered Bert coldly. “Chick’s father is a -banker, all right enough, but if you know anything about bankers, -Devore, you know that they have a pretty good idea of the value of -money. Which is probably why Chick has an allowance of five dollars a -week and no more.” - -Mr. Devore whistled expressively. “Five dollars a week!” he marveled. -“Say, the Old Man’s a regular spendthrift, ain’t he?” There was a -cold sparkle in his eye that informed Bert that his statement had not -been accepted at face value. But Devore smiled as he arose and added -casually: “Well, no use pushing a guy when he ain’t got it, is there? -Tell him I’ll see him to-morrow night, will you?” - -“Look here, Devore,” said Bert, “I wish you’d discourage Chick about -this pool playing. At least until after the football season’s through. -He isn’t getting any good out of it. He’s supposed to be in bed at ten -o’clock and he almost never is. And it’s taking his thoughts off his -game. You seem to be interested in having us win the Kenly game, and I -presume you call yourself Chick’s friend. Well, if so call off the pool -for a couple of weeks, won’t you?” - -“I’m willing, sure, Hollins, but if he shows up down at Mooney’s and -wants a game, what about it? I might as well play him as any one else, -eh? Best thing’s for you to keep him at home, I guess.” - -“It would be,” answered Bert, “but it’s not so easy.” - -“Sort of wants his own way, don’t he? I noticed that myself. Well, -anyhow, I’ll do what I can. I guess you’re right about it’s interfering -with football, for I heard he wasn’t going so good lately; and last -night he was sure sore as a pup on that Cade guy. Well, see you later!” - -Mr. Devore departed, jaunty and cheerful, eight dollars richer than on -his arrival, and Bert, discovering that there was no time at present to -worry about Chick’s finances, hurried away to Lykes. - -In Number 5, Ted Ball was in sole possession when Bert entered. Ted -arose from under a rustling burden of newspapers and kicked a chair -toward the radiator. “Sit low and roost your feet,” he invited. “Sort -of coolish, isn’t it? Well, how’s the hero feeling to-day?” - -“Shut up,” said Bert, grinning. “I’m no hero, and you know it. Listen -here, Ted. I want to know something. What’s the idea of pretending that -I pulled a big stunt yesterday when you know well enough, and every one -else knows, too, that it was the rest of you chaps who did the hard -work?” - -Ted looked mildly surprised. “Hard work? How do you acquire that -condition, Bert? The rest of us did our parts, of course, but you -carried the old prolate spheroid, didn’t you?” - -“Yes, but what of it? I couldn’t help getting through that line with -about six of you going ahead and behind. You see, Ted, I have a funny -feeling that all you others are sort of laughing in your sleeve when -fellows give me the credit.” - -“Oh, that’s it; I get you now, Bert.” Ted observed the caller -speculatively for a moment and then shook his head. “You’re too modest, -old chap. If you don’t watch your step you’ll never make a football -player; a real ne plus ultra one, I mean. You’ve got to get rid of your -modesty first.” - -“Quit talking rot,” grumbled Bert. - -“All right. Let me tell you something that, maybe, hasn’t occurred -to you. When you read in the paper that some fellow has raced forty -or sixty or eighty or something yards and scored a touchdown and has -thereby become a hero and a--a popular idol, you--if you’re like -most folks--don’t stop to ask how come that fellow was able to do -it. Sometimes, but not often, he did it because he was a remarkable -runner and dodger and because Lady Luck paced him most of the way, but -most times--about nine times out of ten--he did it because ten other -fellows got him started and, say, four other fellows helped him past -the secondary defense and, maybe, two others went with him most of the -way and upset tacklers and saw him through. All that, old chap, is what -generally happens. Can’t be any other way--often, for it stands to -reason that one man, no matter how gosh-awful good he is, can’t attack -eleven opponents and get away with it.” - -“I suppose that’s so,” said Bert thoughtfully. “And that’s what I -meant, too. Take yesterday--” - -“All right, take yesterday. You made that touchdown because Jake looked -after you all season and Johnny Cade taught you how to play and I gave -you the signals and the whole team did its part and four or five of us -helped you along. So, you see, if you count in Jimmy, the rubber, and -a couple of the managers, all of whom did their bit, Bert, quite a few -of us had a hand in your stunt. But the point is that you were the big -cheese. If you hadn’t been good, mighty good, all our stuff wouldn’t -have amounted to anything at all. Sort of like firing a rifle, old -chap. I aimed and pulled the trigger. Jim and Tyron and Wick and the -others were the cap and the powder. Without us there wouldn’t have been -any explosion and you’d still be in the cartridge. But the cap and the -powder did their parts and the bullet shot out. You were the bullet, -Bert, and the bullet’s what does the execution and brings down the -game!” - -“Carrying out your simile,” laughed Bert, “it’s the fellow who aims and -shoots who gets the credit, isn’t it?” - -“Similes,” replied Ted, “are like practical jokes. They can be carried -too far. It’s this way about individual stunts on the football field. -Every fellow deserves a certain amount of credit for what the one -member of the team perfects, just how much depending on how close to -the play he was. That’s understood. But they don’t all take off their -head guards and bow when the stand cheers the hero.” - -“But why don’t they? They have a right to.” - -“Because--well, I suppose it’s because they recognize the fact that, no -matter how much they helped, individually and collectively, it was Mr. -Hero who brought home the bacon. No fellow, Bert, can pull off a big -stunt in a football game unaided, but, oh, boy, he can sure do himself -proud if he makes good use of what help he gets and knows what to do -when the interference peters out! Some backs don’t know how to use -their interference, Bert. You’ll see everything set for a big act, and -then the runner takes it into his head to break away from interference, -or he gets ahead of it or drops too far behind it, and, bingo, some one -slips in and nabs him! And there are lots of good backs who can deliver -the goods just as long as they can keep their heads down and butt and -push and fight. Let them get free, though, with a safety man ahead and -a few fellows coming along behind and they don’t know where they’re -at. And only one back in ten ever turns out to be a good broken-field -runner, Bert. When he does he’s usually a wonder. Either a fellow is -poor at it or he’s mighty good. So, after you give every fellow on the -team his rightful share of credit, the fellow who pulls off the fine -long run deserves all the cheering he gets. And that’s why you can rest -easy about the other chaps laughing in their sleeves at you, Bert. They -just aren’t doing it!” - -“Well,” muttered Bert doubtfully. “Anyhow what I did yesterday wasn’t -worth all the fuss that was made. Why, hang it, a baby could have made -that goal line! There wasn’t a soul in the way!” - -“Well, why wasn’t there? If you hadn’t slipped around Tyron and then -cut over the end you’d have been stopped for sure. I saw you do that, -old chap, and do it yourself with no help from any one else. And how -about that Mt. Millard quarter? You had to get by him, didn’t you?” - -“Sure, but he didn’t bother me any.” - -“Of course he didn’t,” laughed Ted, “because instead of heading for the -goal you swung to the right first and made him think you were making -for the other side and then swung back to the left and beat him to the -corner.” - -“Did I?” asked Bert. “I don’t remember doing that!” - -“Maybe so, but that’s what you did. You held that safety man just long -enough on the wrong slant to queer his act. Of course it was the fact -that you were faster than he was that won for you, but you fooled -him besides. I tried to work over to get him but I couldn’t make it. -Anyway, you didn’t need me.” - -“I wish I had more weight, Ted,” said Bert thoughtfully. - -“Well, I don’t know. Yes, you could stand another ten or twelve pounds, -Bert, but I don’t see that you need it yet. You see, what helps you is -your speed and your blamed elusiveness, and if you had more weight you -mightn’t carry it so well. And that reminds me that I asked you over -here at Johnny’s suggestion. I fancy he means to use you more from now -on. He seemed to think that it would be a good idea for you and I to -get together and sort of talk over some of the plays that we’ll use -against Kenly. Sometimes a chap gets a better grip on a play if he kind -of pulls it apart and puts it together again and understands just what -it’s all about; when it’s to be used and what’s to be expected of it -and that sort of thing. Got half an hour before supper?” - - - - -CHAPTER XV - -FUMBLES - - -Bus Lovell provided what in stage parlance is termed the “comic -relief” that week. Bus had made three fumbles in Saturday’s game, and, -although he had recovered two of them, Coach Cade decided that Bus -needed discipline. So, when a light practice was over on Monday, Johnny -requisitioned a scarred and battered ball from Jake and gravely handed -it to Bus. “Lovell,” he said, “if you recall the talk we had in the -gymnasium one afternoon awhile back you’ll understand why I’m giving -you this. Fumbling, Lovell, is a bad habit for a quarter-back. Keep -this with you as a reminder of that fact.” - -Bus tried to grin, got rather red and finally stammered: “You mean I’ve -got to keep it around, sir? Carry it with me like you said?” - -A dozen interested spectators wore very broad smiles and there were -chuckles when Mr. Cade replied: “Exactly, Lovell. You’re not to part -with it for a moment except when you’re asleep. Then the ball rests -beside you. You might put it on a chair at the head of your bed. You -see, Lovell, the idea is to accustom yourself to the sight and feel -of it so that you’ll know what to do with it if you run across it in a -game.” - -Conscious of the joyous amusement of those who had lingered for the -ceremony, Bus put on a good face. “Very well, sir,” he answered as -seriously as Mr. Cade had spoken, “I’ll certainly hang on to it.” He -put it under an arm and strode off, followed by the group of hilarious -team-mates. - -His appearance in dining hall that evening was the signal for a deal of -razzing. Warned of his approach, the fellows clapped enthusiastically -as he stepped through the door with the football swinging in one hand -from the lacing. For an instant Bus was nonplused, but then, composing -his countenance, he placed the ball under an arm and made his way -gravely along the aisle. The honors might have been his if some wag -hadn’t started patting a foot in time to Bus’s tread. That set them -all going, and poor Bus paced the length of the hall to the rhythmic -_tramp-tramp_ of hundreds of feet. After that every one gave way to -laughter and the commotion continued until Mr. Kincaid, in charge, -arose and calmed it. Bus’s troubles hadn’t ended, though, for it at -once became a matter of duty on the part of his companions to deprive -him of his treasure. If Bus laid the football beside his plate some one -reached around behind him and sent it wobbling among the viands. If he -placed it in his lap it was instantly bobbing around under the table, -being kicked this way and that, or was out in the aisle endangering -the safety of passing trays. If he held on to it with both hands he -couldn’t eat! Bus began to suspect that the thing was less of a joke -than he had surmised. At least so far as he was concerned. During -the evening, if he laid the ball down for an instant it mysteriously -disappeared, and he learned that eternal vigilance was the price of -peace. He finally solved the difficulty by tying a cord through the -lacing and hanging the pesky thing around his neck. - -By morning it had occurred to some one of Bus’s intimates that the -humorous possibilities of the football had not been nearly exhausted. -His appearance at breakfast had fallen rather flat, and the fun of -knocking the ball off his lap had somewhat palled. Hence a new way of -adding to the joy of life must be devised. The plan evolved required -Bus’s consent and participation, and, since Bus was not one to deprive -a friend of a little innocent amusement, he gave the first and promised -the latter. At quarter to eleven, Bus, who was a member of the Junior -Class, repaired to Room C, wherein had already gathered Mr. Kincaid -and some forty youths. Mr. Kincaid, on the small platform at the end -of the room, snapped his watch shut and nodded toward the door. One of -the class, awaiting the signal, arose and proceeded to close it. As -though he had waited outside for that moment--as in reality he had--Bus -entered, the faithful football snuggled in one arm, his book and pad in -hand and an earnest, detached look on his face. There were empty seats, -a very few, near the door, but Bus for once chose to sit close to the -preceptor and went sedately down the aisle to the very first row, -observed by the class with breathless interest and by the instructor -with interest which, if not exactly breathless, was quite as earnest. -Bus seated himself, placed the football--still attached to his person -by the cord--in his lap, folded his hands and raised an expectant gaze -to Mr. Kincaid. Mr. Kincaid leveled a pencil at the ball and asked -mildly: “What have you there, Lovell?” - -“A football, sir,” replied Bus innocently. - -“Ah, a football!” The instructor seemed gratified, as though he had -suspected the object of being a football and was pleased to have the -accuracy of his surmise confirmed. The class maintained a silence quite -unusual, anxious to miss no whit of the fun. “You appear,” said Mr. -Kincaid, “to be quite attached to it.” - -Bus recognized the jest with a polite smile and fingered the cord as a -further indication that he had “got” it. “Yes, sir,” he replied, “I am.” - -“And”--Mr. Kincaid blinked, a method used to indicate guilelessness -which fooled nobody--“and the football seems to be quite as attached -to you. A truly beautiful friendship, Lovell.” - -“Yes, sir.” Bus spoke more doubtfully. - -“Yes, indeed,” went on the instructor musingly, “quite--ah--affecting. -Just what was it, Lovell, that drew you together, besides a similarity -of mental equipment?” - -“Sir?” Repressed snickers from about him confirmed his suspicion that -Mr. Kincaid had scored. The instructor was affably patient. - -“I asked what first drew you to each other, Lovell, but never mind -that. Instead, tell me whether you would be willing to part with your, -shall I say alter ego? during a brief period which I propose to devote -to the subject of Greek history.” - -Bus was back on solid ground again. He had been waiting for that -question. He shook his head, sadly yet emphatically. - -“Sorry, sir, but that’s impossible,” said Bus firmly. - -“Impossible!” Mr. Kincaid clicked his tongue. “Dear, dear! And may -I ask--” He paused and peered intently. “Just hold the football -up a moment, please, Lovell. Ah, thank you. For the instant I had -you confused. Yes, I see. The football is the one with the look of -intelligence. As I was saying--” - -But what he was saying was lost in the laughter, laughter in which -Bus joined only half-heartedly. Mr. Kincaid looked over the class and -blinked in gentle reproof. “As I was saying,” he continued, “I am -curious to know why you find it impossible to do without your affinity -for a mere half-hour or so, Lovell. I hope I am not too inquisitive.” - -“Mr. Cade’s orders, sir,” answered Bus with relief. “I have to take it -everywhere, sir.” - -“Ah, really? An extension course in Football, I presume. Remarkable -what strides that game is making, isn’t it? Is there more to your -story?” - -Bus explained the situation and Mr. Kincaid listened with undisguised -interest. And at the end he settled back and said: “Well, well, what -a very clever idea of Mr. Cade’s! I shall be anxious to hear how it -succeeds, Lovell. And now, having exhausted, not unprofitably I’m sure, -some seven minutes of our allotted time, we will turn our attention to -less weighty matters.” - -Whether or not it was due to the football and its accompanying -complications, the fact is that Bus was but illy prepared on the -subject of Greek History and, as Mr. Kincaid was flatteringly attentive -and called on him very frequently, made a poor showing. Just before the -gong rang the instructor stepped down from the platform. He held a book -in his hand and he stopped in front of Bus. “Lovell,” he announced, -“I regret to say that out of six questions sent your way you fumbled -four. To be sure, you may fairly be said to have recovered one, but -nevertheless the loss of ground was considerable. On one occasion, if -you recall, you lost almost a third of Greece! Fumbling, Lovell, is -a--ah--most reprehensible failing, and we must do our utmost to correct -it. Taking a leaf from the book of a greater master, certainly a more -successful instructor, than myself, Lovell, I intrust this volume to -you. It is, as you will observe, my own copy of West’s Ancient World, -Part One. You will find my name on the fly-leaf. I should dislike -having anything happen to it, so please guard it tenderly. Don’t let -it out of your sight, Lovell. Take it with you to recitations and -reflections, let it accompany you wherever you go, Lovell, especially -to the football field. At night place it beside you while you slumber. -Constant companionship, continued proximity, Lovell, will, I sincerely -trust, cure you of your lamentable habit of fumbling the facts of Greek -History. Class dismissed.” - -Bus remained behind for a minute after his convulsed class-mates had -hurried forth, but it was no use. Mr. Kincaid meant just what he had -said, as absolutely ridiculous as it all was! Bus departed with the -football bobbing from his neck and West’s Ancient World clutched -desperately in one hand. He tried putting it into a pocket, but it -was just too large for that. In the corridor the news was already -circulating, and Bus was made to pause and exhibit his latest incubus -until, patience exhausted, he tore himself from detaining hands and -fled. In his room he flung the book distastefully away from him, only -to rescue it in a panic, fearful that he had harmed it. Then he put -it on the table and glowered at it until, presently, a sense of humor -came to his aid and he gave a chuckle. Somewhere, he recollected, his -room-mate had a canvas haversack, and he searched until he unearthed -it. In it he placed Mr. West’s masterpiece and adjusted the straps to -his shoulders. Finally he surveyed himself in the mirror. Just what -he resembled, with the haversack on his back and the football against -his stomach, he couldn’t decide, but, at least, he looked different! -Fortunately, perhaps, he had but one more recitation before dinner and -one after, and at neither of them was he asked to explain his singular -likeness to a peddler, for the story had reached even to the ears of -the faculty. At dinner his arrival in hall was even a greater personal -triumph than last evening, but he didn’t mind the razzing a bit. Being -the sensation of the hour was compensation enough! - -To Mr. Cade, who dwelt outside the campus, the tidings had not reached, -and so at three-thirty, when Bus paraded onto the field, trailed by a -throng of expectant team-mates, the coach was not prepared for the -spectacle. Bus was appropriately attired in gray canvas pants, gray -jersey, gray-and-gold striped stockings, scuffed shoes and hip pads, -and he swung a black leather head guard. But he also wore a battered -football in front and a mildewed canvas bag at his back, a bag on which -appeared in faded black characters the inscription “Troop II, B.S.A.” -Bus invited notice and won it instantly. - -“Lovell, you might rid yourself of that football during practice,” said -Mr. Cade, laughing a little. - -“Yes, sir.” Bus moved toward the wheelbarrow, where the balls awaited -distribution in a big canvas sack, thereby presenting a rear view to -the coach. Mr. Cade stared. Wide grins overspread the faces of the -players. - -“What’s he got on his back?” the coach demanded in puzzled tones of -Coles Wistar. Coles choked and turned aside. The coach looked more -puzzled, and then suspicious. “Lovell!” he called. - -“Yes, sir?” Bus returned, freed of the football. - -“What”--Mr. Cade pointed--“is that contraption?” - -“Haversack, sir. The Ancient World is inside.” - -“The ancient--_what_?” - -“World, sir,” answered Bus gravely. Every one else was shouting with -laughter by now. Mr. Cade laughed, too, suspecting that Bus had -contrived a joke to turn the tables. - -“The ancient world, eh? So you’re Atlas. Is that it? Come clean, -Lovell. What’s the point?” - -“I didn’t do very well in Greek History class this morning, Mr. Cade, -and Mr. Kincaid said I was to carry West’s Ancient World around with -me, sir. Just like the football, you know. He said I fumbled too many -questions.” Bus was grinning now. Mr. Cade’s face was a study for a -moment. Then he chuckled, and then he laughed, and laughed until the -tears came. - -“He wins, Lovell,” he gasped finally. “Take it off. That’s a good one!” - -“Think I’d better, sir?” asked Bus doubtfully. “He said--” - -Mr. Cade wiped his eyes. “I think it’s safe,” he answered. “I--I’ll -assume responsibility, Lovell. And, Lovell.” - -“Yes, sir?” - -“Just so that Mr. Peghorn doesn’t follow suit and hang a glass retort -about your neck, we’ll say no more about the football. I--I know when -I’m beaten, Lovell!” - -Bus removed the haversack with a sigh of relief. “I guess the -football’s done its bit, anyway, sir,” he said earnestly. “If I fumble -again, Mr. Cade, I--I’ll eat the fool thing!” - -They set about preparing for the Kenly game that afternoon. Only one -contest intervened, that with Alton High School next Saturday, and that -was frankly only a practice engagement. From now on every minute of the -daily sessions on the gridiron and of the nightly “skull-drills” in -the gymnasium would be devoted to the laudable ambition of defeating -Kenly Hall. There was a twenty-minute encounter with the long-suffering -tackling dummy and much punting and running back of punts before the -formation drill began. Bert found himself opposite Storer on the squad -that followed Ted Ball up and down the field. Walsh was on Bus Lovell’s -squad, where, too, at his old position at the tip of the right wing, -Chick was holding forth. Chick and Shelfer were dividing that honor -of late, with Chick showing far more of finished playing and Shelfer -impressing the coaches by his sheer determination. I say coaches, -because a former Alton player named Lake had arrived and was giving his -serious attention to the linemen, the guards and tackles especially. -Still later that week two other graduates showed up, but they remained -only a few days and spent more time exchanging reminiscences on -the side-lines than in actual coaching. However, their counsel was -valuable to Mr. Cade, and they really did help in the evenings, when -the blackboard was hauled out on the gymnasium floor and the plays -were drawn thereon and the players, rubber-soled, walked and trotted -through them. The new signals were being learned, and that alone was a -very fair task, especially for two or three of the squad whose memories -were not of the best. There were eleven line plays inside the ends, six -outside, three forward-passes and one punt. These were numbered from 2 -to 25, inclusive, omitting 10, 11, 20 and 21. Any number ending in 0 -signified a punt. Two series, one of two plays and one of three, were -indicated by the numbers 11 and 21. To commit these to memory was a -task that called for real concentration. - -This Tuesday there were many mistakes made, and Bert made his share. -Twice he confused Number 8 and Number 13. The former play was left half -through left tackle and the latter was left end around right end, and -there was no similarity either in the numbers or the plays. Yet Bert -for some, perhaps psychological, reason got mixed badly. It was well -toward the end of the week before he rid himself of the haunting fear -that he would forever confuse 8 and 13! - -However, quarter-backs and coaches were lenient to-day; the former, -perhaps, because they were none too certain themselves of the new -signals. Even Ted Ball, who had won the reputation of being a shark at -calling signals, faltered more than once. Mr. McFadden, who had scouted -Kenly Hall several times during the season, came over at four-fifteen -with a team drilled in Kenly plays, and most of the rest of the session -was given over by the First to defensive work. Whether the Second -had really perfected itself in the rival’s style and methods was -problematical, but certain it is that the First experienced no great -difficulty in stopping the Scrub, even when Mr. Cade gave the ball -to the latter on the First’s ten-yard line. Bert played through one -ten-minute period of the scrimmage and comported himself well enough to -win a word of commendation from Mr. Lake, who, with Mr. Cade, hovered -about the team like a sternly anxious hen over a brood of young chicks. - -“That’s the game, What’s-your-name! Don’t start off blind, but wait -till you see where the play’s coming. You stopped that nicely, fellow!” - -Bert stopped more than one ambitious Scrub back during his ten minutes -of service, or helped stop them, and suffered painful if honorable -wounds in consequence. But he didn’t mind while he was in. Only after -he had been relegated to the bench to make way for Walsh, did he fully -appreciate his injuries. Then he went over to Jake and had two fingers -taped together above a splint and a nice square of plaster applied -to his left cheek. The Scrub in its imitation of Kenly was doing a -conscientious job! - -Walsh stayed in only some four minutes and then yielded to Keys. Walsh -was plainly proving rather a disappointment to the coach. He had -weight and was a hard fellow to stop when he got well started, but he -was almost phenomenally slow and, to-day at least, mixed signals badly. -Bert wasn’t afraid of Walsh nowadays, but he was afraid of Keys. It -seemed to Bert that Keys was bound to have the call for right half-back -position by Saturday; and it was a fair assumption that whoever played -on the first-string against Alton High would start the game against -Kenly. Of course Keys wouldn’t play the big game through, and sooner -or later, Bert assured himself, he, Bert, would get in. But sometimes -a back had the good fortune to stick it out right to the end, or to -within a few minutes of it, and Bert wasn’t going to be satisfied with -merely saying, “How do you do? Good-by!” to the referee. He watched -rather glumly while Keys performed the duties of a half-back and -credited Larry with doing considerably better than he really did. - -Chick played a full period and showed himself superior to Fitz Savell -as a defensive end. Unfortunately, though, he erased whatever good -impression he may have made on the coaches when he failed miserably -just at the end of the scrimmage to get into position for Galvin’s long -throw down the field. Chick confessed later that he mistook the signal. - -Neither side scored that afternoon and the battle ended with honors -fairly even when it was almost too dark to see the ball ten yards away. -Jake fussed and grumbled a good deal during the succeeding half hour, -for it seemed that about every other man on the two teams had managed -to get himself hurt in some fashion. The injuries were only casual and -to be expected, but Jake, swashing iodine around and snipping tape, -was a growling pessimist. At this rate, he confided to his grinning -patients, there wouldn’t be a whole team left by a week from Saturday! - -The evening sessions for the First Team interfered badly with Chick’s -pool program. Mr. Cade generally dismissed them by eight-thirty, -although you couldn’t count on it, but that left Chick only an hour -in which to subjugate Mr. Devore and retrieve his losses, and an -hour wasn’t nearly enough. So Chick, by Wednesday of that week, was -tiptoeing into Number 21 around eleven o’clock, which was a very -risky proceeding and one not calculated to sending him leaping out of -bed, bright-eyed and refreshed, at seven o’clock the next morning. -But getting even with Lester Devore had become almost an obsession -with Chick, and school laws and training rules were forgotten. Bert -was always fast asleep long before the truant returned, although he -sometimes awoke enough to realize that his room-mate was moving about -and to wonder what time it was. - -It was on Thursday that Bert, finding mail in the box downstairs, -tossed a letter across the table to Chick with the remark: “If you’re -expecting any freight, Charles, it has arrove.” Chick looked at the -corner of the buff envelope, which bore the name of the railroad -followed by the legend “Freight Department,” and scowled. Bert busied -himself with a letter of his own until an indignant exclamation from -the other caught his attention. - -“What a nerve!” growled Chick. “Wants me to pay him ten dollars right -away because he’s ‘got use for the money’! Maybe I haven’t got use for -it, too; or would if I had it! Why didn’t he say something about it -last night?” - -“Oh, that’s Devore writing to you, eh?” said Bert. “Well, see here, -Chick, can’t you pay what you owe him and then keep away from him for a -while? How much is it, anyway? Only ten?” - -Chick shrugged, hesitated and answered: “No, it’s more than that, -counting last night. It’s--it’s sixteen-twenty-five now.” - -Bert whistled. “How much have you got?” he asked. - -“About three and a half. And I owe you--” - -“Never mind what you owe me. I’ve got five--no, about four-fifty. -That’ll make eight. Borrow a couple somewhere and get it to him. After -all, he’s got a right to it, I suppose.” - -“You lend me a couple and I’ll pay him five,” said Chick. “That’s -enough for him. He knows he’ll get it all when I have it. I wouldn’t be -owing him so much if he didn’t always say, ‘Oh, that’s all right. Pay -when you get ready!’ I tried to get ten from the old man, but he’s as -tight as a bow-string, hang it. Wrote back that I was thirty dollars -overdrawn already! Gosh, he keeps track of every sou he lets go of! -Next dad I have won’t be a banker, I’ll bet!” - -“Well, here’s two,” said Bert, “and for goodness’ sake put some more -with it and hush him up. And for Pete’s sake, Chick, stop playing -pool with him until you get yourself squared. What time did you come -wandering in last night, anyway? It seemed like the middle of the night -to me.” - -“Oh, it wasn’t that bad,” said Chick. “Thanks for this, Bert. That -makes six fifty, doesn’t it? You’ll have to remember because I’m likely -to forget. I’ll slip over to Mooney’s after dinner and leave it for -him.” - -“Doesn’t he have any home?” inquired Bert. “Doesn’t sleep at Mooney’s, -too, does he?” - -“He says leave it at Mooney’s,” answered Chick, “so that’s what I’ll -do. I hope he chokes!” - -“Well,” murmured Bert, “I won’t go that far, but hanged if I’d loosen -the knot if he was choking!” - - - - -CHAPTER XVI - -PEANUTS AND CONVERSATION - - -Thursday afternoon saw a slight let-up on the field. Preliminary work -was lighter and so much time was spent on signal drill that there was -only enough daylight left for one scrimmage period. That, however, -went to fifteen minutes. Coach Cade used all his second-string players -before the fracas was over, which means that both Bert and Keys served -as right, or Number 2, half-back. Chick, also, saw service and did -better than he had done before that week. The Second Team stuck to what -they fondly believed were Kenly formations and plays and, while these -went fairly well in midfield they petered out nearer the goal line. -Second got a nice placement kick over, but failed to score a touchdown. -First, using a more diversified attack than it had shown all season, -twice crossed the adversary’s line. There were several forward-passes -that went smoothly for short gains, two of them received by Chick; one -long heave, Galvin to Kruger, that was good for twenty-two yards; some -well-placed punts by Nip Storer and some good gains by the backs. The -most startling performance by the First, however, was an end-around -play featuring Fitz Savell. Fitz shot outside left end and reeled -off thirty-four yards before he was stopped by the Scrub’s safety -man. Bert made two gains of seven and eleven yards respectively on -off-tackle plays and once made a shorter though timely romp to a first -down outside end. Galvin and Storer first, and then Ness and Couch, -accounted for many advances through the line. On the whole the First -showed power, speed and smoothness of execution; although it must -be confessed that Bus Lovell, who followed Ted as general, had much -difficulty with his signals and slowed up the playing considerably on -occasions. What Bus did not do, however, was fumble! - -There was a cheer meeting that evening in Assembly Hall--there had been -two or three previously--and Bert and Chick joined the throng and sang -and shouted as heartily as any. Mr. Fowler, the English instructor and -head of the Faculty Committee on Athletics, addressed the meeting and -kept it laughing for twenty minutes. (“Gee,” murmured Chick, “why can’t -he be like this in class?”) Mr. Cade said a few words and was followed -by Captain Jonas Lowe. Jonas was just as much at home on a platform, -just as much at ease addressing an audience, as a cow on a tight-rope. -He arose in painful embarrassment and lurched to the front with the -enthusiasm of a malefactor approaching the electric chair. Then he put -his large hands in the pockets of his capacious trousers, cleared his -throat and took his hands out again. By that time the applause had -dwindled to comparative silence, a silence punctured by chuckles and -snickers of amusement. Jonas clasped his hands tightly behind him, -rocked backward on his heels and frowned furiously. Then he spoke. -Fearful, perhaps, that he wouldn’t make himself heard, he opened his -remarks in a voice that, as husky as it was, might easily have been -heard on the far side of Haylow Hall. - -“Fellows! And gentlemen! You know why you’re here--why I’m here. I’ve -got to say something about the Team and about licking Kenly Hall. -Well, that’s all right. We’ll do it. [Enthusiastic applause mingled -with laughter.] We’ll lick Kenly. We’ve got a pretty good bunch this -year and--and we’ve been well coached. Mr. Cade is a great guy. [More -applause.] Of course Kenly’s got a pretty good bunch, too. That’s what -they tell us, anyway. But we’ve got a pretty good--I mean, our team’s -all right, too. Got a good, strong line and a bunch of clever backs. -Fellows like Jim Galvin and Nip Storer and--and others. Got a center -you can’t beat, Lum Patten. Lum’s a great guy. [Cheers and laughter.] -Got a pair of fine tackles. Got good ends. Got some corking plays. -And we’re all fit. Got to thank Jake for that. Jake’s a great trainer. -[Cheers for Jake.] So we’re all set, like I told you, to play the best -game we know how, and if Kenly beats us it’s going to be a big surprise -to them, I guess. It will be to me, anyway. But she won’t do it. You -guys--you fellows do your part and we’ll do ours. That’s fair enough. -Got to have the support of the School. Got to know we have it. Helps -a lot. Plenty of cheering, you know. Everybody in line for a victory. -That’s the idea. All together in the right spirit. Lots of it, too. -Well, that’s all. We’ve got a pretty good bunch and we’ll do the best -we know how. Much obliged.” - -Jonas, perspiring freely, retired to his seat amidst loud acclaim and -Freeman Naughton called for “a cheer for Captain Lowe, fellows, and -make it good!” After that they sang a few more songs, cheered the Team -vociferously and departed. - -Bert and Chick joined forces with “Judge” Anstruther, Billy Haines -and Hank Howard and wandered into Upton and up to the assistant -manager’s room. Judge could do weird and wonderful things on a strange -looking contraption that was about half-way between a guitar and a -mandolin--with leanings toward several other instruments--and they -had a musical evening. Hank Howard proclaimed his ability to play -beautifully on a harmonica and Billy Haines disappeared and returned -with one a minute or two later. After that, although Billy knew almost -none of the tunes that Judge knew, the program took on an added -interest. About the only thing the two performers could thoroughly -get together on was that ribald composition, “Oh, Doctor!” This was a -rimed insult set to music which Alton had once sung at the football -games with Kenly. Of late it had become taboo, however, and when it -sometimes threatened to break out it was quickly suppressed by the -cheer leaders. On such occasions as this, though, “Oh, Doctor!” might -be sung to the heart’s content without frantic “shushings.” So with -Judge Anstruther beating the strings of his exotic instrument and Billy -swaying ecstatically with his hands cupped about the borrowed harmonica -the others sang loudly: - - “Oh, Doctor! Oh, Doctor, now won’t you hurry, pray? - There’s been a crime most awful committed down our way! - Pull on your breeches, grab your bag, - Drop the shafts on the old gray nag - And hurry, hurry, hurry, hurry, Doctor! - - “Oh, Doctor! Oh, Doctor, and will the patient live? - He’s twisted, and he’s busted, he’s riddled like a sieve! - His center’s in a frightful shape; - I guess you’ll have to operate! - Oh, hurry, hurry, hurry, hurry, Doctor! - - “Oh, Doctor! Oh, Doctor, the pearly gates we view! - They’re open very wide now! Oh, can’t you pull him through? - Old Kenly’s bad and getting worse; - Inform the sexton, send the hearse! - Oh, hurry, hurry, hurry, hurry, Doctor!” - -By the end of the first verse reënforcements had appeared from -neighboring rooms, and when the song had been concluded the applause -was so hearty and insistent that the musicians had to begin again. -As the room was now filled to capacity the encore completely drowned -the music. A rumor that Mr. Offerman was on his way upstairs finally -reduced the chorus to its original number and sent Judge Anstruther -into the gentle strains of an Hawaiian melody. Mr. Offerman, however, -didn’t materialize and the party broke up in a disappointed mood. - -The weather, which had been on the whole particularly obnoxious for a -fortnight, changed during Thursday night, and when Friday dawned the -world was drenched in a gray mist, the air was balmy and one rather -expected to hear bluebirds cheeping or cawing or whatever it is that -bluebirds do. Chill, cloudy days, cold, blustery days were no more for -the while and Indian summer had returned from over the purple hills. By -the time breakfast was over the haze had vanished under the warmth of -an ardent sun and brick walks and stone walls were steaming gently. -Groups of boys crowded the dormitory steps, windows were open, with -curtains aflutter, and the campus grass seemed to have grown a full -shade greener under its sere and yellow tips. Of course no one wanted -to do any work. That’s the trouble with such days. A fellow just wants -to stick his hands deep into his pockets and lean against something--if -he can’t sit down--and think long and lazy thoughts, thoughts on any -subject save study and recitations and English themes due at noon and -letters postponed since Sunday. It’s an effort even to yawn! - -Fortunately practice was light that afternoon, for even the most -ambitious were unable to move out of a walk unless driven to it by the -sharp voice of authority. Footballs had a way of coming down yards -distant from their expected landing places and of slipping out of -nerveless fingers, and cleated football shoes had apparently added -several pounds of weight since yesterday. There was no scrimmage, and -after a signal drill of half an hour the squad was released. Most of -the First Team repaired to the second gridiron after getting back into -mufti and watched the Scrub play its one outside game of the season. -Southport Second was the opponent. Bert, his feet over the back of the -seat in front of him, basked in the warmth and took much pleasure in -watching his recent opponents in practice pant and perspire as they -charged over the gridiron. For once at least he was content to sit in -idleness and watch others gain the glory. Beyond him, widely spaced -since there was plenty of room on the stand to-day and the idea of -contact with another was obnoxious in such weather, sat other members -of the First, lazily, even somnolently. Occasional words of approval -aimed at the Second seldom reached the field. You might have all the -will in the world to shout loudly, yet what resulted was merely a -sleepy murmur. Into Bert’s paradise of contentment crept the serpent. - -Well, he didn’t exactly creep, either; stumble would be a better word. -And for a serpent he was undeniably rotund. Perhaps likening him to -a boa constrictor after a hearty meal might go unchallenged, but the -simile is inapt. And this particular serpent, even if he had had a -hearty meal, was still eating as he flopped down to a seat beside Bert -with a muttered: “_Saluer, mon brave!_” - -“’Lo, Tommy,” responded Bert weakly. “That’s rotten French.” - -“Sure. Have a peanut?” Tommy extended a sack and Bert managed to raise -his hand and dip into it. “Some weather, eh? Feel like a lotus eater. -Couldn’t find any lotuses--or is it lotii?--and had to get peanuts.” - -“Penii,” corrected Bert. - -Tommy grinned and tried to hit Watkins, of the Scrub, on the head -with a shell. His effort fell short and he sighed. “Who’s ahead?” he -inquired. - -“Second. Two quarts.” - -“Two quarts of what?” - -“Perspiration. Scrubs just claimed a foul on Southport, but the referee -wouldn’t allow it.” - -“Go ahead,” said Tommy. “I’ll bite. What was the foul, Mister Johnsing?” - -“Southport trainer gave them sweet spirits of nitre to increase -their--er--humidity. Clearly against the rules.” - -Tommy viewed him anxiously. “Better move back into the shade,” he -advised. “Gee, I didn’t realize the sun was so hot! No scoring yet, eh?” - -“No. Where’s your hat, Tommy?” - -“Ate it.” That was Tommy’s invariable answer to the pesky question. -“Help yourself.” - -Bert groaned and dipped again. “Do you ever stop eating?” he inquired. - -“Frequently. No practice for you guys to-day?” - -“How do you mean, no practice?” said Bert indignantly. “We were at it -four hours. Anyway, it seemed that long. How come you weren’t on hand -with your invaluable advice, Tommy?” - -“I was doing a composition and fell asleep. Woke up with my fountain -pen stuck in my left ear. Dreamed I was being hung.” - -“I don’t get the relationship between the dream and -the--whatyoucallit--actuality,” sighed Bert. - -“Nor I--at first. Guess the pen sticking into said ear suggested -hangman’s knot. Don’t they put the knot against the left ear?” - -“Honest, I forget. Seems, to me, though, the last time I was hung it -was under my chin, but maybe it slipped. Here goes for a touchdown.” - -“Bet you!” - -“You’re on for a bag of peanuts.” - -Bert lost, for Southport got her back up and selfishly refused to let -the Alton Scrub left tackle through the center, although all the latter -asked was a scant two yards. After Southport had punted from behind her -goal line the whistle blew, faintly as though exhausted, and the half -was at an end. The shadow of the roof crept over the front of the stand -and Bert perked up a bit. - -“How are you betting on the Kenly game, Tommy?” he asked. “Still -bearish?” - -“No, and never was. I said right along that we’d beat ’em if Johnny -Cade tumbled to himself and you fellows humped yourselves a bit. We’ll -win by a couple of scores next week.” - -“What? I thought you were predicting total ruination, Tommy. What’s -changed the colossal mind?” - -“Well, for one thing Johnny went and got rid of a lot of stiffs like -Tate and Meecham and your babyhood friend, Chick Burton.” - -“Wrong, Tommy. Chick’s got a good chance to play, I guess.” - -“You’re a rotten guesser, Bert. Oh, he might get in for a little old -minute or _deux_.” - -“No, I mean for the whole _soixante_, young chap; anyway for _la -plupart_.” - -“_Tant s’en faut_,” responded Tommy, “meaning you’re talking -foolishment. Chick’s no use this year, Bert, and Johnny’s discovered -it. You know it, too, just as well as I do.” - -“Oh, come, why pick on Chick? Of course he’s had his bad days, but so -have all of them.” - -“Not so _mal_ as Chick’s,” said Tommy decidedly. “If I thought there -was any chance of Johnny using Chick Burton against Kenly I’d--” - -“What would you do, son?” asked Bert amusedly. - -“Put a stop to it.” - -Bert laughed. “Tommy, you’re delicious! Pass the peanuts. How would you -go about it, young fellow?” - -Tommy wagged his head knowingly and screwed up his eyes as one who -could tell but wouldn’t. “Never you mind,” he murmured. “I could do it.” - -“Who’s had a touch of the sun now?” jeered Bert. “Sounds like you and -Johnny are pretty thick. Does everything you say, eh?” - -“That’s all right, Monsieur Alexandre _l’habile_!” (Bert groaned in -protest.) “I’m not talking through my hat--” - -“That is to be seen,” murmured Bert. “Though why you didn’t say -_chapeau_--” - -“And if I had to, if it was necessary for the--the success of the Team, -I could put a spoke in Burton’s wheel all right, all right!” - -Bert frowned. “Don’t talk silly, Tommy! Just what are you getting at, -anyway?” - -But Tommy shook his head again, filled his mouth with peanuts and -looked suddenly extremely secretive, even stupid. Bert grunted. “That -sort of talk isn’t nice, Tommy. Better lay off.” - -“All right.” Tommy used a superior tone that made the other frown -again. “’Nough said. Have a peanut. Go on. I’ve got another bag coming -to me.” - -Bert declined, and after a minute he asked: “What other reason have you -for changing the old mind? Besides the changes in the team, I mean.” - -“Well, I’ve seen Kenly play, for another thing.” - -“You have? When?” - -“Last Saturday. Goodall and I went over.” - -“How were they?” asked Bert eagerly. - -“Good. They’ve got a nice-looking gang.” - -“Well, then--” - -“But we can beat them if we play lively football. They’re sort -of--well, not exactly slow, but--now what’s the word?” - -“Use your French,” advised Bert. - -“Don’t have to. Uninspired’s what I wanted. That’s how they struck -me. They looked like a team that could drag a heavy load all day but -wouldn’t have sense--no, imagination enough to run away!” - -“Run away! Why should they run away?” - -“I was speaking metaphorically,” said Tommy with dignity. “What I mean -is, those guys will do what the coach tells them to do all right, but -they haven’t--aren’t-- Now, look here, you know as well as I do that -there’s such a thing as football sense--or something. When a team -hasn’t got it and runs against something that isn’t--er--provided for, -if you see what I’m trying to get at--” - -“You’re talking about self-reliance, aren’t you?” - -“Well, I mean those guys aren’t the sort to rise to the occasion. They -lack football--football--” - -“Instinct!” - -“That’s it,” said Tommy relievedly. “Instinct. And initiative, too. I -guess initiative’s what I’ve been trying to think of.” - -“And you think we have those things?” - -“Yes, most of you have. You have, for one. So has Ted Ball and Nip -Storer and Galvin and Kruger and--” - -“Gosh, I don’t believe I have, Tommy! Ted, yes; and maybe those others. -But me--” Bert shook his head doubtfully. “Anyway, how can you tell by -seeing a team in action once whether it’s got initiative, Tommy?” - -“I can,” answered the other stoutly. “It shows in the way they go about -things, the way they handle themselves. You can’t fool me. Say, did I -tell you that you were good and that you’d make the team or didn’t I?” - -“You did,” acknowledged Bert. - -“Yes, and I said you’d do most of the scoring against Kenly, too, -didn’t I?” - -“Something of the sort. Don’t you wish you hadn’t?” - -“No. Things generally come out the way I say they’re going to, Bert. -You wait until a week from to-morrow and then tell me if I was right or -wrong.” - -“I will, Tommy. And I’ll do this, too. If you prove right I’ll buy you -enough peanuts to last you to Christmas!” - -Tommy chuckled. “Better not get rash, _mon demi-derrière_. I get -awfully hungry when cold weather comes. Besides, you might pay that bet -first!” - -“Shut up! Here’s a dime. Go eat yourself to death.” - -“Better give me another and be on the safe side,” laughed Tommy. -“Here they come again. Go on in there, you mutts, and do something!” -Tommy’s voice arose to something approaching its wonted penetration and -vehemence, and the stand spoke approval and encouragement. - -“That’s the stuff, Tommy! You tell ’em, boy!” - -Tommy looked over his shoulder, grinned and shot a peanut at the -nearest speaker. “_Fermer votre_ trap, Hink!” he admonished. - -Possibly Mr. McFadden had talked like a Dutch uncle during intermission. -At all events, the Second Team came back strong and played a rather -different brand of football during the third and most of the fourth -quarter. The stand woke up and cheered encouragement and Tommy offered -caustic criticism, and the Alton Scrub marched on to glory. Glory was -represented by a single touchdown, minus the point which should have -followed, and one field-goal. The touchdown came soon after the -resumption of hostilities in the third period and the field-goal closed -the ceremonies in the fourth. Between the two events Southport made a -determined but fruitless effort to score and hurled passes to all points -of the compass. Tommy observed disgustedly that they’d wear out the sod, -throwing the ball around on it like that. From which you are to -understand that the passes were usually not completed. - -Chick had gone to the room directly after practice, announcing -a virtuous resolve to do some studying that football--and other -interests--had interfered with, but when Bert reached Number 21 he -found the student sound asleep on the window-seat, an open book astride -his chest. - - - - -CHAPTER XVII - -BERT IS SENT FOR - - -The “Flubdub,” which had been mildly disapproving of the coach and -the conduct of football affairs, changed its tune in the issue of -that week. It found many complimentary things to say of the Team and -it insinuated that those who had been criticizing Mr. Cade and his -methods had formed their verdict too soon. The games with Oak Grove -and Mt. Millard, declared the paper, proved that, in spite of certain -discouraging aspects visible early in the season, Alton football was in -a healthy condition, and that although progress had been slow it had -also been sure. The “Flubdub,” in short, was suddenly optimistic and -didn’t care who knew it. - -On another page, however, was printed a comparison of the Alton and -Kenly Hall teams based on their season’s records that seemed to provide -scant grounds for optimism. Both elevens had played six games so far, -Kenly had won five and lost one, scoring 114 points to the opponents’ -45. Alton had won three games, lost two and tied one, scoring 63 points -to the opponents’ 35. It might have been claimed for the latter that -her schedule had been slightly more difficult, but the claim wouldn’t -have been easy of proof. Kenly had met but three teams which had played -Alton, and aside from those there was no basis for comparative scores. - -Alton took the High School contest on Saturday not at all seriously, -viewing it purely as a practice game. She did, however, hope to meet -with enough opposition to try out her defense. The High School eleven -was completing a fairly successful season, and, while it was a light -team, it was reputed to be fast and to be well handled by a clever -quarter, a lad named Forster, who, it was hoped and expected, would -enter Alton next Fall. Mr. Cade started the game with his first-string -players on duty. Keys played right half, displacing Walsh who now -seemed to be out of the running as a first-choice back. Toward the -middle of the second period the coach began to make changes in the -line-up, however, and before the half ended more second-string than -first-string fellows were on the field. Bert substituted Keys while -the second quarter had some six minutes to go and when High School, by -some fast and tricky running plays, had carried the pigskin to Alton’s -twenty-one yards. At about the same period Joe Tate took Dutch Kruger’s -place. Dutch had been fooled frequently, his end of the line proving -High School’s best bet. Joe took hold in good style and spoiled the -next attempt around his position, and, after High School had tried a -forward-pass into the zone and failed at it, she faked a drop-kick and -smashed at the left guard position, her full-back carrying. Nat Wick -was carried out by the interference and the full-back shot through -for all but two yards of the required distance. On fourth down the -same play was tried again, the point of attack this time being at the -left of center. Certain that a kick was really forthcoming, Alton -allowed herself to be caught napping and the High School plunger was -through before the secondary defense rallied. It was Bert, coming in -hard and fast, who nailed the enemy. He couldn’t stop the full-back, -though, until Patten, breaking loose from the interference, crashed -into them both. It was that timely aid that laid Bert out flat for -the whole two minutes, with every atom of breath on a vacation. While -he recuperated with the aid of Jake the chain was brought in and the -distance measured. High School had failed of a first down by some four -inches! Alton speedily kicked out of danger, and for the rest of the -playing time Bert was rather too done up to do himself justice. Bus -Lovell, though, was easy on him and his duties were chiefly defensive -until just before time was called for the half. Then a split play with -Bert carrying inside tackle was sprung, and Bert, conscious of being -still somewhat limp, and nervously fearing he might mess the play up, -started too soon, was forced to slow up for the pass and reached the -line “on the wrong foot.” A High School forward nailed him for no gain. -Before Bus could call his signals again the whistle blew, and Bert, for -once, was glad to hear it. - -Yet Coach Cade let him go back when the third quarter started and he -played well into the last period and accounted for one long gain and -several short ones. He brought the Alton sympathizers to their feet -when he took a forward-pass from Galvin well off toward the side of -the field--Savell had gone in back of the enemy center as if to catch -there--and dodged his way over four white streaks before he was upset. -Forty-three yards he raced for a forty-seven-yard gain, and after he -had released the ball on High School’s nine yards it took Galvin just -two plunges to carry it across. That tackle, though, had about finished -Bert so far as present usefulness was concerned, and Coach Cade took -him out after the score had been made, and Larry Keys went back in. - -That was Alton’s third score, for she had gone over the High School -line twice in the third period. It also proved to be her last, and -the final figures were 20 to 0. On the whole, in spite of two scares, -Alton had not had much difficulty with the adversary. Nor had she been -provided with much work for her line on defense, since High School -had early recognized the futility of attacks inside the tackles. -In one way, though, the home team had profited. She had been shown -that her ends were not yet good enough to cope with a really fast and -clever running game. Joe Tate had shown up better on defense than any -of the other three ends who had been tried that afternoon, and it was -predicted that he would displace Dutch at the left wing. The prediction -proved wrong, however, for Dutch continued to hold the position, -doubtless in recognition of his offensive ability. As for Bert, he went -back to Upton convinced that, in spite of that one fortunate stunt, he -had finally and conclusively lost out to Keys in the struggle. He was -rather silent, a fact not apparently noticed by Chick, since Chick was -silent too. - -Chick had played during nearly a half of the game and had done poorly, -and he knew it and was at once puzzled and resentful. All the fall he -had made light of his derelictions, convinced of his ability to play as -good football as he had last season. It was Chick’s secret contention -that Coach Cade should be as convinced of the fact as he himself was -and so view occasional failures with a lenient eye. Now, however, Chick -had begun to doubt. To-day he had earnestly and whole-heartedly tried -to be the old Chick again, to show Johnny and all the others who had -been viewing him askance that when it pleased him to he could play -the end position as it should be played; even a little better! And he -had failed. And he didn’t know why he had failed. Time and again runs -had gone around him, time and again he had been put completely out of -the play. And this not against a strong team but against a confessedly -mediocre one! He tried to understand it and failed. Or almost. He -finally entertained the theory that not his body but his mind had -played him false. Looking back it seemed that his former ability to -diagnose the play and act quickly had been lacking. And it came to him -that, despite earlier indifference, he now wanted intensely to make -good in this his last year of Alton football! - -There was no evening session in the gymnasium this Saturday night -and Chick had tentatively agreed to accompany Bert and two others -to a lecture in the auditorium. He wasn’t particularly interested -in excavations in Central America, but Bert had pleaded and he had -consented--with reservations. Yet when Bert tried to find him at eight -o’clock he wasn’t to be found, and no one that Bert enquired of could -supply tidings of him. Bert suspected that a trip to Mooney’s would -reveal the truant, but there was no time for that; nor was there much -inclination. Bert had become rather disgusted with his chum’s inability -to tear himself from the society of Lester Devore. - -Chick was a little out of patience with himself that evening on the -same score. It was foolish to go back to Mooney’s and get plucked -again, for he would be plucked without a doubt. The idea that he -would one day succeed in winning back the money he had lost--quite a -considerable sum by now, even if not all paid--had had to be abandoned. -Chick was at last satisfied that Devore was a better pool player than -he was. Also, he had a sneaking suspicion that Devore had let him win -on the infrequent occasions when he had won merely to coax him on to -increasing his wagers. He wasn’t convinced of it, for Devore could be -disarmingly frank and ingenuous when he tried to be, and it was hard -sometimes not to credit the sincerity of his regret when the luck -continued in his favor. To-night Chick didn’t mean to play. He couldn’t -afford to, for one thing, for he had just twenty cents in his pocket. -He meant to look on awhile. That would be a lot more interesting than -hearing some bespectacled old geezer ramble on about the Incas, or -whoever the folks were that used to live a couple of billion years ago -down in--oh, that place where the chewing gum comes from! Besides, -Chick was in low spirits to-night, anyway, and he sighed for lights and -laughter and the familiar sound of the clicking balls. Of course Les -might dun him for the money he still owed, but a lot of good it would -do him! You can’t get blood from a stone! - -The lecture was interesting, but it was a bit too long, and Bert, for -one, got tired of staring at stereopticon views thrown on a screen -at the back of the platform long before the entertainment ended. He -accompanied Ted Ball and Lum Patten over to Lykes and when Lum insisted -on their coming into his room he went and stayed until twenty minutes -to ten. They talked a lot of football, and Bert was surprised when -Lum acknowledged that he had hot and cold shivers whenever he thought -of the Kenly game. Bert had supposed such evidences of nervousness -confined to inexperienced players like himself. Then Ted chuckled and -said: “I’ve never been able to sleep more than three or four hours -the night before a big game, fellows. Sounds crazy, I know, but it’s -a fact. Last year Coles was up reading poetry to me, Robert Frost’s, -it was, for more than two hours. He had a theory that poetry would put -me to sleep, but I guess he got hold of the wrong brand. Say, I’ll bet -that if I could get a solid eight hours of sleep next Friday night I -could play a wicked game Saturday! But I shan’t. I’ll lie awake for -hours, going over signals, playing the whole blamed game in advance, -from beginning to end, and wake up feeling like--like something just -out of the wringer! Wonder if I can get hold of a bottle of soothing -syrup!” - -“I sleep pretty well,” confided the center, “and generally eat a good -breakfast. But I sure hate to think about the old game. Of course, -after the whistle toots and the ball’s in the air I’m all right. But -until then I just have to keep my mind off the thing. How’s it take -you, Bert?” - -“That’s the funny part,” answered Bert in puzzled tones. “I’d ought to -be scared, but I haven’t really thought much about it. Of course last -year I didn’t have any reason to worry, because I didn’t have any idea -of getting in. Perhaps that’s why I’m not nervous now. I mean there -isn’t much chance of my starting the game, and by the time I do get in -I’ll be sort of used to it. Maybe that isn’t very clear--” - -“Fine thing to keep your nerve like that,” commented Ted, “and I don’t -want to say a thing to shake you, Bert, but if you don’t start against -Kenly I--well, I’ll swallow the ball!” - -Bert looked startled, then skeptical. He turned a questioning glance -toward Patten, but Lum shook his head. “Don’t ask me,” he said. “I -don’t get to the conferences, Bert. ‘Mine but to do or die.’” - -“Well, I think he’s just trying to get my goat,” said Bert, viewing Ted -doubtfully. Ted grinned. - -“That’s it,” chuckled Lum. “He’s fixing you so you won’t be able to -sleep either and can read poetry to him for a couple of hours.” - -When he reached Upton and was making his way toward the staircase a -boy of about eighteen came toward him from the other end of the first -floor corridor. He wasn’t an Academy youth; that fact was apparent even -before he spoke. - -“Say, Buddie, where’s Room 21, huh?” - -“Next floor. Who do you want?” - -“Guy name o’ Hollins. ’S he live here?” - -“That’s me,” answered Bert. “What do you want with me?” - -The stranger looked suspicious. “How do I know you’re the feller, huh? -I got a message for him. You show me where he lives, huh?” - -“I tell you I’m Hollins,” declared Bert impatiently. “Who’s the message -from?” - -The boy, who looked as if he ought to be hanging around a down-town -corner, looked dubious a moment and then gave a shifty glance up and -down the corridor. Several doors were open and there was a low hum of -talk from the lighted rooms, but no one else was within earshot. “All -right. Know a guy named Barton, or something?” - -“Burton? Yes.” - -“Well, say, he wants you to leg it over to Mooney’s. Know it, huh? -Billiard joint over on--” - -“I know Mooney’s. What’s he want me for? What’s the rest of the -message?” - -“That’s all. Just come over to Mooney’s. It was Mike himself give me -the word.” - -“Mike?” repeated Bert, puzzled. - -“Yeah, Mike Mooney. I was goin’ by, see, an’ he calls me over. ‘Beat it -up to the Acad’my, he says, an’ find Upton Hall and tell a guy name o’ -Hollins in Room 21 he’s wanted here. Tell him Burton sent for him.’ I -don’t know what’s up, but I seen three or four guys standin’ ’round on -the inside an’ another guy sittin’ in a chair, an’ I guess some one got -hurt, huh?” - -“Hurt!” exclaimed Bert. “All right, I’ll come. You tell him--” - -“Tell him nothin’! I’m goin’ home, see.” - -The youth vanished and Bert instinctively started up the stairs for his -cap. Then, realizing with dismay that it was already a quarter to ten, -he turned and hurried after the messenger. - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII - -MR. CADE RECEIVES - - -He made quick time down the walk to the gate, through State street to -West and so into the Saturday night throngs. The messenger’s theory -that Chick had been hurt, alarming for the instant, was soon discarded -by Bert. What was far more probable was that Chick had played pool -again, lost and was unable to meet his obligations. Probably Mooney -was holding him as hostage. Bert frowned at the recollection that his -present wealth was represented by two silver quarters and one nickel. -If Chick’s indebtedness exceeded fifty-five cents he was, Bert thought, -likely to remain a hostage! - -Mooney’s was doing a land-office business when Bert reached it. The -long vista of green tables was half shrouded in blue smoke through -which coatless players moved to and fro. The lines of chairs on each -side held almost uninterrupted rows of spectators. The click of the -ivory balls and the tapping of cues were barely heard above the steady -bedlam of talk. Near the entrance a cigar case and a desk met at an -angle, and the square space behind was used as a sort of office. -Chick’s head was visible above the cigar case as Bert’s glance roved -away from the tables. Nearby stood a small, wiry, leather-cheeked man -whom Bert guessed to be Mike Mooney. There were none others inside the -inclosure. Bert went forward and leaned across the display of cigars. - -“Did you send for me, Chick?” he asked. - -Then he saw for the first time that Chick’s forehead was swathed in a -rough bandage and that there was a large red stain against the white -cloth. - -“What happened?” he exclaimed. - -Chick turned his head slowly and grinned. He looked pale, and the grin -was palpably effected only after an effort. The proprietor interposed -briskly. “You his friend?” he asked Bert. “Well, say, get him out of -here, will you? It don’t do my place no good to have him sittin’ around -like that.” - -“Why, yes, but--but what--how--” - -“Shot off his mouth,” explained Mike in a lowered voice. “Feller biffed -him with a cue. I didn’t see it, and I don’t know what they was jawin’ -about, but that’s how I got it. He’s all right now. Sort of woozy, -though, and you’d better get a taxi, I guess.” - -“I’ll walk,” said Chick, pulling himself from his chair and wincing -as he moved. “Sorry to bother you, Bert, but I was a bit dizzy. Much -obliged to you, Mr. Mooney.” - -“That’s all right, young feller, but listen to me, will you? You play -pool somewhere else, see? I run a respectable place, and I don’t want -no trouble-makers in here, see? I ain’t saying whose fault it was, -mind, and I don’t care. And no hard feelings, see? But I’d be just as -pleased if you kept away. And that goes for the other guy, too.” - -“All right,” replied Chick wearily. “Come on, Bert.” - -Outside Bert asked anxiously: “Sure you’d better not ride, Chick? It -won’t take a minute to find a cab.” - -“I’d rather walk. The air feels good. Gosh, that was a nasty thump he -gave me!” - -“Who did it? How did it happen? Never mind now, though. Better take my -arm, old chap.” - -[Illustration: “Who did it? How did it happen?”] - -Chick accepted the suggestion and for a few minutes they went slowly -along the street, making their way with difficulty through the -throng. Chick had set his cap on his head and it partly covered the -blood-soaked bandage, and so his appearance attracted no attention. -Presently, reaching West street and less crowded sidewalks, Chick began -to talk. - -“I suppose it’s after ten, isn’t it? Afraid I’m making a mess for you, -Bert. Hope we don’t run into a faculty.” - -“Only a minute or two after,” answered Bert. “Keep your head down and -we’ll make it, I guess.” - -“Afraid I can’t.” Chick attempted a chuckle. “Have to hold it up, Bert. -If I don’t it throbs horribly. Have we got any arnica in the room?” - -“I think so. If we haven’t I can find some easily enough. Is it much of -a cut?” - -“I don’t know, but it feels a yard long. A fellow bathed it in cold -water and it hurt like the dickens. I got sort of faint and Mooney -asked if he couldn’t send for some one to help me home and I told him -to send for you. I guess he was afraid I’d want the ambulance and get -the cops on the scene! How did they find you? Were you in the room? Any -one hear about me?” - -Bert explained as they went along State street between buildings -gradually changing from shops to residences. Then: “You haven’t told me -yet who hit you, Chick.” - -“Les Devore. He got nasty because I wouldn’t play with him. I just went -there to look on. I only had twenty cents and I told him so, but he -said it didn’t matter, that I owed him a lot already and a couple of -dollars more wouldn’t matter. I said he’d get his money all right, but -I didn’t intend to owe him any more. Then he got talking for the other -fellows to hear, razzing me about my dad being a banker and not having -any money, and a lot of stuff like that. Making believe he was joking, -but mad just the same. Well, I called him down finally and he came -where I was sitting and put his hand against my chin and knocked my -head back against a rack. Pretending he was just in fun, you know. It -hurt quite a bit and I jumped up and hit him pretty hard. He went back -against the table and I went after him. He was scared then and started -to back around the other end, and I told him to keep his mouth shut and -went back to sit down again. And just then some one yelled ‘Look out, -kid!’ and I turned my head and got his cue right here. It didn’t hit me -square, you see; sort of glanced off; but it put me out for the count, -I guess. When I came around I was down there where you found me and -some one was sopping water all over me.” - -“What became of Devore?” asked Bert. - -“I don’t know. I suppose he beat it. I’m going to find him to-morrow, -though,” added Chick grimly. - -“Not to-morrow,” said Bert. “You won’t be feeling very scrappy in the -morning, Charles. Just you leave-- Oh! He-hello, Mr. Cade!” - -“I thought that was you, Hollins. And Burton, too, eh?” - -“Good evening, sir,” muttered Chick. - -They had reached the corner of State and Academy streets. Neither of -them had given thought to the fact that the coach had his quarters -in the old white house there, although if they had they would not have -seriously considered the possibility of such an adventure. Mr. Cade -was leaning over the gate, a pipe in his mouth, and since the nearest -street light was well distant they hadn’t seen him until he had spoken. -Now Chick tugged at Bert’s arm, but the coach spoke again. - -“Been to the movies, Hollins?” he asked conversationally. - -“No, sir, just--just down town. It--it’s a nice night, sir, isn’t it?” - -“Splendid!” Mr. Cade sounded quite enthusiastic. “Remarkable weather -for the time of year. A trifle too warm for football, of course, but -then every one doesn’t play football, eh?” Chick was conscious that the -coach was looking intently at him in the half darkness, and again he -tugged imperatively at his companion’s arm. - -“Yes, sir,” responded Bert vaguely, “it surely is. Well, we’ll be -getting--” - -But just then there was a scratching sound and a match flared. Mr. Cade -held the flame to his pipe, as he did so leveling his gaze across it -in the direction of Chick. Then the light went out and a puff of smoke -floated over the gate. - -“What happened to your head, Burton?” asked the coach quietly. - -There was a moment of silence. Then Chick answered confusedly: -“Nothing much, sir. I--well, I was in Mooney’s and there was a fellow -in there got to swinging his cue around and--” - -“And you got in the way of it, eh? Hard luck. Better come inside and -let me look at it, I think.” - -“Oh, thanks, sir, but it’s quite all right! I’m going to put some -arnica on it when I get to the room. It--it isn’t anything, really!” - -“Probably not, but it seems to be still bleeding, and if I were you I -wouldn’t go up to the hall that way.” The gate swung inward, Mr. Cade -stood aside, and, after a moment of hesitation, Chick entered, followed -by Bert. The coach occupied two big rooms on the lower floor of the -old house. There was a living-room with a comfortably faded carpet -on the floor and furniture of the black walnut age. On a big, round -table, littered with magazines and books and a dozen other objects, was -a wide-shaded electric lamp in whose radius of mellow light stood a -huge arm-chair, not of the walnut period. Beyond was a sleeping room, -furnished with Spartan simplicity, while nearby, across a narrow rear -hall, was a bathroom. To the latter Mr. Cade led the way. - -“Now let’s have a look at it,” he said. Chick seated himself on a white -stool under the beams of the light and the coach unwrapped the bandage. -“Hm, you did get a nasty swat, didn’t you? That chap swung a mean cue! -If it wasn’t so late I’d advise you to get Jake in to dress that and -put a couple of stitches in it, but he’s probably fast asleep. What -time is it, Hollins?” - -“Twelve minutes past, sir,” replied Bert uneasily. - -“Past--” - -“Ten.” - -“Later than I thought. Well, I guess I can strap that down with some -plaster, Burton. I’ll give it a good washing first.” He swung open the -door of a cabinet, selected a bottle from a shelf, ran some water in -the bowl and went to work with absorbent cotton. “This may hurt a bit -at first,” he warned. - -“All right,” said Chick stoically. “It’s been hurting right along, sir.” - -“There’ll be some swelling here in the morning, and some one may be -curious. Possibly you had better say that you were calling on me this -evening. No need to go into details, you know.” - -“Folks might think you gave it to him, sir,” observed Bert in a weak -attempt at humor. - -“I guess not. I’ve felt rather murderous toward this chap at times this -fall, Hollins, but until to-night I’ve managed to keep my hands off -him.” The coach smiled as he spoke, but neither boy missed his meaning. -“There you are, Burton. I’m not going to put a bandage on it. It may -start to bleed again, but I don’t think it will. If it does, just sop -it off with some cotton and try not to disturb the dressing.” - -“Thank you, sir.” Chick arose and looked at himself in the glass. “Gee, -I’m a sight! Look like a pirate or something, don’t I?” - -“Well, you look as if you’d come off second-best,” chuckled the coach. -He led the way back to the living room. “How does it feel now?” he -asked. - -“Better, sir, thank you.” - -“Head ache?” - -“Like the dickens.” - -“Better sit down awhile then before you go up.” - -“I guess we’d ought to beat it,” said Bert. “It’s long after ten, and -we’re supposed to be inside at ten, sir.” - -“After ten when you got here, wasn’t it?” - -“Yes, sir, a little.” - -“I thought so. Well, you can say now that I kept you. Take this chair, -Burton, and put your head back. Bring that chair over there up, -Hollins. Now I’m going to talk a little to this chap. He’s feeling -pretty rotten, and that’s an advantage to me.” - -Chick grinned, but looked uneasily across at Bert. Mr. Cade busied -himself with refilling and lighting his briar pipe as he went on. “You -know, Burton, you haven’t been giving me a square deal this fall. I -was looking to you to do big things. I thought you’d be a much better -end than last year, but you’ve let me down badly. I haven’t complained, -partly because I’ve been expecting you’d come around, partly because -I didn’t want to start any unpleasantness. I saw quite early in the -season that you were carrying a chip on your shoulder; why I don’t -know; but I was careful not to disturb it. It wouldn’t have done any -good to get you sore, old chap. Anyway, the way I doped it, you’d play -the game when you got ready and not before. Of course I couldn’t wait -for you after mid-season. You wouldn’t expect me to. And, as it has -turned out, I was wise not to, for you haven’t come back yet. And now, -of course, you’re not going to.” - -The coach paused and the silence was deep. Bert waited for Chick to -defend himself, to offer an excuse, an explanation, but Chick made -no answer and the coach went on. He had spoken easily, without a -suggestion of rancor, and he continued in such manner. - -“You’re going up to college next fall and, unless you’ve changed your -mind, to my college, Burton. And I guess you mean to play football. -That’s right, isn’t it?” - -“Yes, sir,” answered Chick in a low voice. - -“Well, don’t you think you’re counting a whole lot on my--my -forbearance? Do you realize that, if I wanted to be nasty--no, not -even that; but if I wanted to take my revenge--I could very easily make -it impossible for you to ever make a team there? Ever think of that, -Burton?” - -“No, sir.” - -“Well, never mind. It’s a fact, though. But I haven’t any desire to get -back at you like that. After all, while you’ve made things a bit more -difficult for me and have delayed the progress of the team, you’ve been -harder on yourself than any one else, I guess. This is your last year -here and you’re not showing pretty. It’s a poor piece of business for a -First Team player to do so badly in his last season that he has to sit -on the bench during the big game. And, frankly, Burton, as things stand -now, that’s what you’ll be doing Saturday.” - -“That’s for you to say, of course,” said Chick with some spirit, “but -I don’t think I deserve that, sir. I--I may have been pretty poor -sometimes, but I can still play better than Shelfer.” - -“Can you? Perhaps you can. Yes, I’m sure you can. But the point is, -Burton, that you don’t! And I’m bound to judge you by performance, my -boy. Perhaps you think it’s a low-down trick to corner you when you’re -feeling punk and say this sort of thing, but it’s just because you are -feeling punk that I’m doing it.” Mr. Cade smiled. “You know, Burton, if -you hadn’t had a crack on the head you’d never have let me say this; -you’d have flung off in a temper long ago; and I’ve had it on my mind -for some weeks and I consider that I’ve got it coming to me to get rid -of it. Now, if it isn’t unreasonable to ask, Burton, what’s the answer -to the whole business? Have you lost your interest in football, in the -Team? Are you disgruntled because you didn’t make the captaincy? I -certainly expected you to, and I’ll say frankly that I was disappointed -that you didn’t. Or have you taken a personal dislike to me as a coach? -There’s some explanation, and I’m curious to know what it is.” - -After a moment Chick answered dispiritedly: “I don’t know, sir. -I--maybe if my head didn’t ache-- Anyway, it’s nothing to do with you, -Mr. Cade. I suppose I did get grouchy about not getting the captaincy, -but I don’t believe--” Chick’s voice trailed off tiredly. - -“I think I can answer that better, sir,” said Bert. “He was peeved -about the captaincy first, and then he got hold of something that -interested him more than football, and, one way and another, he just -sort of lost his--his hold. I’m sure he meant to carry on, Mr. Cade, -but he let this other thing take up his time and his thought. That’s -true, isn’t it, Chick?” - -“I suppose so. Hang it, I didn’t really mean to mess things up so, Mr. -Cade. Somehow I got started wrong this season. I--I’m might sorry. -I didn’t meant to let you down, sir. Or make things harder for you. -I--it’s like Bert says; I got interested in something else.” - -“Well, I’m glad to know you didn’t mean it, Burton. I’m glad that this -other interest explains it. Personally, I couldn’t find pool of more -interest than football, but we’re not all alike.” - -Perhaps he saw Chick’s look of surprise, for he went on in explanation. -“You see, I’ve got a friend in town who works on the Alton paper. -Perhaps you know him; Joe Manter. Joe drops in here quite frequently -and he brings me the news. About a month or so ago he asked about you. -He had been seeing you in Mooney’s billiard place pretty frequently, -and sometimes quite late. Joe thought I ought to know that you weren’t -keeping hours. I told him I already knew it, as I did; or, at least, -as I suspected. You’ll remember that we met one evening on the street -about the time you should have been in bed.” - -“Yes, sir,” said Chick. “I’ve been playing pool a good deal at Mooney’s -and I’ve been getting back to school pretty late; sometimes nearly -eleven. I might as well tell the truth, sir.” - -“Eleven!” gasped Bert. “How the dickens did you ever get by Peg?” - -“I don’t know. Usually he was half asleep when I passed his door.” - -“Well, of course, that sort of thing didn’t help you much to make a -showing on the field,” commented the coach. “I considered getting after -you once or twice, Burton, but I decided each time to keep my hands -off. Now, one more thing. Joe Manter was in to see me this forenoon and -he told me that an acquaintance of yours, a fellow named Devore, is -getting some of his friends around town to put money up to bet on the -game next week. Have you heard anything about that?” - -“No, sir. That is, he did say something to me a week or more ago about -betting on the game. Advised me to get hold of some money and bet it on -Kenly. He said Kenly was certain to win this year and that he could get -me odds when the time came. But that was all that was said. He hasn’t -mentioned it to me lately.” - -“Did you give him any money to bet?” - -“No, sir. I didn’t have any. I guess I wouldn’t have bet it that way, -anyhow!” - -“Ever talk football with Devore?” - -“Why, yes, sir, quite often.” - -“Well, what was said? Was he interested in football?” - -“Yes, I’d say he was. He talked about it a good deal when we were -playing pool together.” - -“Did he seem interested in our plays or our signals?” - -“No, sir. I don’t remember that he ever showed much interest in things -like plays and signals. We just talked about the game in general, and -about last year’s game and all that.” - -“I see. You’re certain you didn’t explain anything about this year’s -plans or the plays we were using or our signal code?” - -“No, sir, I don’t think-- Well, maybe I did tell him something about -some of the plays. He’d get to boosting Kenly and knocking our team, -sir, and saying that we didn’t have any plays that would score. Maybe I -did talk a bit too much. Did I do any harm, sir?” - -“That’s what I don’t know, Burton. This Devore chap has a bad name, -Joe tells me. He got fired from a job in the freight office about a -year ago when he was suspected of stealing a small amount of money. -Since then he’s been depending on his pool playing and on betting for -a living. Joe thinks that Devore has got hold of something regarding -our team, plays, signals, something or other, that he can hand on to -Kenly. He’s trying to get hold of enough money to bet against Alton -to make a killing, it seems. That’s Joe’s notion. But I don’t believe -that Kenly would profit in any such way. I know the coach over there, -and he’s a square chap. It may be that Devore has wormed something out -of you, Burton, or thinks he has, and means to let us know next week, -Saturday perhaps, that he has it and try to make us believe that he’s -spilled it to Kenly. He probably figures that we’d have to change our -plans at the last moment and that if we did we’d lose the game. Joe -says he hears from Lakeville that several bets have already been laid -over there on Kenly, which makes it look as if Devore was working with -some one there. Of course it would help us considerably if you could -recall just what you told Devore, Burton; what plays were discussed, -for instance.” - -“I wish I could,” said Chick hopelessly. “Honestly, though, I don’t -see how he could make anything out of what I said, Mr. Cade. We never -talked signals, and, anyway, it was before we’d changed to the new -ones. Maybe I did explain two or three plays to him, but I don’t -believe he understood them or could remember them, sir.” - -Mr. Cade shook his head. “He could if he set out to, I’m afraid. Look -here, it’s nearly eleven, and you chaps will have to hustle. When -you get a good chance, Burton, I want you to sit down and go over -your talks with Devore and try to recall about what was said by you -regarding the team. It may be that Devore hasn’t a thing in the world -and that the whole business is poppycock, but I’d like to be certain -one way or another. Will you do that?” - -“Yes, sir,” replied Chick despondently. “Gosh, I seem to have made a -complete mess of everything! I wish some one had hit me on the head a -couple of months ago, and hit a lot harder! I--I’m beastly ashamed of -myself, Mr. Cade, and it’s certainly mighty white of you to--to take it -so decently!” - -“That’s all right. Don’t trouble about it too much. Get to bed now, -have a good sleep and see me to-morrow.” - - - - -CHAPTER XIX - -TOMMY ISSUES AN ULTIMATUM - - -Very little was said on the way back to Upton, partly because there was -little time remaining before eleven o’clock and it was necessary to -hurry, and partly because both boys were busy with their thoughts. Once -Bert said in puzzled tones: “Funny Devore wrote to you in a railroad -envelope if he got fired a year ago, Chick.” - -“Probably took a supply of them home,” answered Chick. “Just about -what he would do, swipe the office stationery. He must have run out of -letter-heads, though, because he wrote on a sheet of plain paper. Did -you hear what Johnny said? That Devore made his living shooting pool? -Gosh, he played me for an easy mark, all right! I’m going to find that -guy and push his face in if it’s the last thing I do.” - -Nearing the dormitory Bert spoke again. “I didn’t mention it to Johnny, -Chick, but the day Devore came up to the room after his money, you -know, he tried to pump me. I didn’t think anything about it at the -time, but I guess he was after some dope on our plays.” - -“And you didn’t tell him a blamed thing, I’ll bet,” replied Chick -bitterly. “It took me to spill the beans. You wait till I see that rat!” - -There was an explanation to be made to Mr. Peghorn before they could -climb the stairs to Number 21. “Peg” didn’t seem to consider the excuse -sufficient, in view of Chick’s disreputable appearance, and promised -suspiciously to take the matter up with Mr. Cade, but he released them -presently and they were in the room when eleven struck. Bert went to -sleep soon after his head touched the pillow, but in the opposite bed -Chick lay and stared into the dark until long after midnight. - -Bert went off to church the next morning without his room-mate, for -Chick’s head was badly swollen and he had no difficulty in getting -excused. After dinner the latter disappeared and Bert surmised that he -had gone over to see Mr. Cade. He returned about four, looking more -cheerful than Bert had seen him look for many days. Bert brushed the -Sunday paper away and sat up on the window-seat. - -“Did you see him?” he asked. - -Chick nodded, shied his cap to the bed and sat down. “Yes,” he said. -He stared thoughtfully at his shoes a minute and then raised his gaze -to Bert and announced earnestly: “He’s a mighty good chap, Bert.” He -waited, as though expecting contradiction, and when Bert only nodded, -he went on. “Say, he’s going to be married. He told me all about it -and showed me the girl’s picture. She’s a corker, Bert. He’s got it -bad, but I don’t blame him.” - -“When’s it going to happen?” - -“December, if it does happen.” - -“Well, I thought you just said--” - -“It’s like this. We had a long talk and he told me all about it. He -says it all depends on whether we beat Kenly, Bert. If we do he’s going -to quit here and give all his time to his business. He’s got a sort -of a law practice at home, it seems. Then he will get married around -Christmas time. But he says he won’t quit if we’re licked. Not unless -faculty asks him to, and I guess that isn’t likely after what he’s done -other years, eh? He says if this season turns out to be a failure he -will hang on until he comes through right. Wants to retire as a success -and not a failure. Something like that.” - -“Still,” objected Bert, “I don’t see why he can’t get married just the -same. I fancy the girl isn’t going to mind if Kenly licks us!” - -“No, but it’s something about money. As I understood it he doesn’t want -to marry until he’s settled down in his law practice and can stay at -home and attend to things. Anyway, that’s the dope. Of course I said I -hoped we’d beat Saturday, and--well, what do you suppose he said?” - -“Said he hoped so, too, probably.” - -“He said, ‘How hard do you hope it, Burton?’ I said that I hoped it a -whole lot, or something like that. ‘Well, do you hope it hard enough -to pitch in and help us?’ he asked. I said I sure did. Then--well, he -talked a lot. Made me feel sort of small, Bert. You know, when you come -right down to it, I’ve been an awful fizzle this fall!” - -“What I want to know is, is he going to let you play?” - -“I don’t know. I think so. He didn’t promise it, though. What he said -was that I was to start in to-morrow and forget everything but football -and beating Kenly and show what I could do. I guess he doesn’t feel -like sticking me in ahead of Fitz, and I don’t blame him, because, say -what you like, Fitz is a mighty good end, Bert.” - -Bert suppressed a grin. “Then all he agreed to was letting you show -what you can do, eh?” - -“He didn’t agree to anything,” responded Chick a trifle warmly. “He -made me see what a blamed poor piece of cheese I’ve been this season -and asked me to help him come through with a win. And that on top of -all this other business! I’ll say that’s fair enough, and I’m ready to -do everything I can so he can get married like he wants to. Of course I -want to beat Kenly, too, but I’m in it now so that girl won’t have to -wait another year. So he won’t, either. What’s wrong with that?” - -“Not a thing,” replied Bert. “Only the girl must be a peach, Chick, to -get you all het up like this!” - -“She is,” replied Chick stoutly. “But I’m not het up, you blamed cynic. -I’m just mighty grateful to Johnny for not raising the old Ned about -Les Devore. He might have been nasty, for I certainly did a lot of fool -talking with my mouth.” - -“What about that? Could you remember saying anything to Devore that -would matter?” - -“I said plenty,” answered Chick grimly. “I told him about two or three -plays; drew them out for him with a piece of billiard chalk on the -table one night. I remembered it last night after I got to bed. That -Number 14 was one of them. He insisted that we didn’t have anything -but old stuff and wouldn’t let me tell him anything different and I -drew the plays out so he could get them. Of course it was a perfectly -idiotic thing to do, but I never suspected that he was anything but the -dumb-bell he seemed to be.” - -“Wow!” muttered Bert. “What did Johnny say to that?” - -“Well, he took it mighty nice, like I’ve been trying to tell you. He -said he guessed we could get along without Number 14 if we had to, and -that a couple of other plays didn’t amount to anything anyway. He says -he thinks Devore’s game is mostly bluff; that Devore will come around -about next Saturday and pretend to be hep to our whole line of offense -and show that Number 14 and a couple of other plays to prove it. His -idea is that we’ll get cold feet and shove a lot of good plays into -the discard and get rattled generally. Johnny says Devore couldn’t get -the Kenly folks to touch his dope with a pair of tongs, and probably -doesn’t mean to try.” - -“I can’t just see him going to Johnny with that line of talk,” mused -Bert. “I guess he’d be afraid to.” - -“No, but he’d write a letter, maybe, or send some one else. Anyhow, -Johnny doesn’t seem worried much, and that makes me feel a heap better -than I did last night. There’s one thing, though, that’s not so good,” -he added glumly. - -“What’s that?” - -“He made me promise to keep away from Devore. Anyway, until after the -game. And I suppose by that time I’ll get over my mad and the little -rat never will get what’s coming to him!” - -“Hard lines,” laughed Bert. “Maybe Johnny has something in mind for -Devore, though. I wouldn’t be surprised, Chick.” - -Chick brightened. “Say, I never thought of that! I wonder! I hope he -has!” - -Chick had a lot more to say, much of it repetition of what had gone -before, and talked until darkness settled in Number 21. Bert encouraged -him, heartily glad that the old enthusiastic Chick had returned. -Chick was all for self-sacrifice and service, eager to make amends, -filled with a new fervor of loyalty. It might not last, but Bert hoped -it would. The loyalty seemed to be more toward Mr. Cade than toward -the Team or the School, but that was not important. Results were what -counted. - -There was a long, rather halting period of practice on Monday, with -most of the time given to smoothing out the plays to be used against -the ancient enemy. Bert shared the backfield with Ted Ball, Nip -Storer and Jim Galvin during the drill and during a large part of the -scrimmage with the Second. He discovered that he felt more at home -there than before, that he seemed to fit in better. Perhaps he only -imagined it, but it did appear as though Nip and he worked together -particularly well, and he had a feeling that Nip thought so too. He -began to suspect that Ted had known what he was talking about Saturday -evening and that it was possible after all that Mr. Cade meant to start -him against Kenly. - -Chick was a revelation that day, and continued as such right through -the week, or at least until the end of practice on Thursday. Thursday -saw the last hard work of the season. Chick was like the player who -had held down the right end position last fall; into everything hard, -fighting every minute, taking knocks and giving them with a laugh, -tackling like a demon and tackling for keeps, pulling down passes -even when it seemed they couldn’t be reached and comporting himself -generally during those four last days like the brilliant player that he -really was. Fitz Savell fought him desperately, performing great deeds -himself in a despairing effort to hold his place, and the Team and the -School talked and marveled and credited a miracle. It was Tommy Parish -who advanced the theory, based on the two-inch wound that decorated -Chick’s forehead, that Chick had had an operation performed on his -brain! - -Tommy didn’t accept Chick’s come-back with any enthusiasm. To Tommy -the rejuvenation was too good to be true; at least too good to be -permanent. He stated to all and sundry that it was merely a flash in -the pan, a grand-stand play that wasn’t to be taken seriously. He -wandered into Number 21 Thursday morning between recitations, when the -open door revealed Bert alone over a book, and eased himself against -the closed portal and lugubriously munched nuts until the host took -cognizance of his presence. - -“Get out of here, Tommy, you and your everlasting peanuts,” said Bert -sternly. “I’ve got a recitation in fifteen minutes and two more pages -of this stuff to go over. Fade away, son!” - -“These aren’t peanuts,” replied Tommy with funereal gravity, “they’re -pecans. Have some?” - -“No, and you heard what I said.” - -“Sure.” But Tommy didn’t move. “Say, tell me this, will you, Bert? Is -Chick going to get into that game day after to-morrow? First-off, I -mean.” - -“How the dickens do I know? But why shouldn’t he? Hasn’t he been -playing corking good football lately?” - -“Lately? Three or four days, yes. That doesn’t mean anything. Put him -in against Kenly and he’ll play as rotten as ever.” - -“Oh, forget it, Tommy. And get out of here before I lam you with a -book.” - -“I’m going. Don’t be so jumpy. Say, you want to look after your nerves -for a couple of days, Bert, or you’ll be shot to pieces by Saturday. -You ought to take long walks and--” - -“I’m going to take a short walk in just about three seconds,” answered -Bert grimly, “and it’s going to end where you’re standing, Tommy.” - -“No, but honest, Bert. Long walks are what you need.” Bert pushed back -his chair and Tommy moved with a celerity no one would have suspected -him capable of. “All right, all right! Keep your dickey on! But, say, -let me tell you something, will you?” - -“Yes, if you make it mighty short.” - -“Well, it’s this. I don’t approve of Johnny starting Chick next -Saturday and I’m going to see that he doesn’t.” - -“You are! _You_ are! Don’t make me laugh, Tommy! How are you going to -do it?” - -“I know a way. I warned you a week ago that I didn’t intend to see the -Team beaten, when it doesn’t need to be, by playing second-raters. You -tell Chick for me that I’m out to get him. I don’t want to tell tales, -but when it’s a duty--” - -“Tommy, you’re sickening,” said Bert. “You’ve got it in for Chick for -no reason at all and you’re making an ass of yourself about it. You -take my advice and shut up, or--” - -“I have not got it in for Chick,” declared Tommy emphatically. “Maybe -I don’t like him much, but that’s got nothing to do with this. This -is something between me and--and my conscience! I--I’ve got feelings. -Just because I can’t play football, or much of anything, fellows think -I don’t know about such things. I’m just a joke because I’m sort of -stumpy and have boils on my neck! Well, I’ve got more--more patriotism -than most of ’em, doggone ’em!” Tommy actually choked and a tear -trickled from the corner of one eye. “I’m for the School and the Team, -Bert, and I want to see Kenly everlastingly licked. And that’s why I -say Johnny hasn’t any right to take risks by playing Chick Burton or -any other fellow who isn’t a topnotcher. If he wants to put Chick in -for a little while after the game’s cinched, all right. I’m not kicking -about that. But Chick’s just soldiered all season, and you know it, and -Johnny knows it, and what he’s been doing the last two or three days -can’t make up for a whole two months of rotten playing!” - -“Well, for Heaven’s sake!” gasped Bert. - -“Shut up!” said Tommy, blinking hard. “I tell you I’ve got feelings! -And that’s why I’m going to tell Johnny what I know about Chick, even -if it is low-down. I’m thinking about the Team, I tell you, and Chick -and Johnny--and you, too--can go to the dickens!” - -“What do you know about Chick?” demanded Bert, not certain whether he -wanted to laugh or get mad. - -“I know that he hasn’t been keeping hours more than a third of the -time. You said Mooney was a friend of Chick’s in the village. Well, I -found out about Mooney’s, and I’ve seen Chick shooting pool there many -a night long after ten o’clock. And that’s why he’s been so rotten all -season. One reason, anyway. I’ve got as much interest in the Football -Team as any one else, and I’m not going to see a fellow who won’t even -keep in training get placed on--” - -“Johnny knows all about that, Tommy,” interrupted Bert, “and so you can -save your breath.” - -“Yes, he does! That’s likely, isn’t it?” - -“It’s true nevertheless. He’s known it all the season. Don’t go and -tell tales when there’s nothing to be gained by it, Tommy.” - -“I don’t believe it! He’s your chum and you’re just trying to save him. -But you can’t fool me like that, Bert. I’ve warned you, mind! You tell -Chick what I say, because I don’t want to do him dirt.” - -“Sounds like it,” laughed Bert. “What do you call it then?” - -“I’m working for the Team, I tell you! I’d do the same thing if it was -you, or Ted Ball, or Jonas Lowe! Chick’s double-crossed Johnny and the -rest of us all the fall and he can’t pull any grand-stand stuff now and -get away with it while I’ve got a tongue. He’s cheated, and he’s got to -take his medicine!” - -“Tommy, I tell you that Johnny knows all you’re going to tell him. I -give you my word. You’ll just make yourself look silly if you go to him -with--” - -“You’re lying, Bert.” Tommy shook his head gently. “It’s all right, -though. He’s your friend.” Tommy’s hand wandered toward a pocket -mechanically. “I’m sorry I’ve got to do this.” He stuffed a few -nut kernels in his mouth and opened the door behind him. “Tell you -what I’ll do, Bert. I’ll give Chick until after dinner to think it -over. That’s fair. You tell him I say he’s got to keep off the team -Saturday. If he agrees to that I’m satisfied. But you let me know, see? -If I don’t hear from you by half-past one I’m going to Johnny and spill -the whole thing.” - -“Oh, go to the dickens,” fumed Bert. “Get out of here, you crazy nut! -Beat it!” - -“One-thirty,” said Tommy hopefully as he disappeared. “You talk to him, -Bert. Tell him I say it’ll be all right--” - -The door slammed shut just before a copy of “Eugénie Grandet” reached -it. - - - - -CHAPTER XX - -THE NIGHT BEFORE - - -Thursday brought the season’s preparations to an end, saw the Second -Team disband--with noisy and appropriate ceremonies--and witnessed the -appearance of the Football Number of the “Doubleay.” The weekly was -still brimming with optimism on the subject of the Kenly game, but, -like more important publications, it was careful to leave itself an -avenue of retreat guarded by “Ifs.” Nevertheless the two-page article -was encouraging reading to those who wanted Alton Academy to win and -who were timorous about expecting her to. Of course there was the usual -biographical paragraph regarding each of the players and the absorbing -statistics of age, height and weight. And, finally, came “the probable -line-up for Saturday’s game,” as follows: - - L.E. Kruger - L.T. Thomas - L.G. Wick or Meecham - C. Patten - R.G. Lowe (Captain) - R.T. Haines - R.E. Savell or Burton - Q.B. Ball - L.H.B. Storer - R.H.B. Ness or Hollins - F.B. Galvin - -Bert rather expected Chick to voice objection to being relegated to -second place by the “Flubdub,” for the impression about the Academy -was that he had proved his right to start the game, an impression -that Chick doubtless shared. But there wasn’t even a murmur from him, -and Bert marveled. Bert had his own problem to solve, which was why -Ness’s name had been set down for the right half-back position. Ness -hadn’t played at right more than half a dozen times during the fall and -surely not since mid-season. He was first substitute for Storer, and as -such a very valuable member for the team. In the end, after mentally -considering all sorts of backfield combinations that included Tyron and -Keys and Walsh and even Parkhurst, Bert concluded that the “Flubdub” -had merely made a mistake. The “Flubdub” had been known to! - -Commencing Tuesday, there was a cheer meeting every night that week. -Mr. Cade had advised the members of the squad to stay away from them, -and they did, but that didn’t prevent them from hearing a good deal of -the enthusiasm, for almost always the gathering in the auditorium, so -soon as the arranged program was concluded, adjourned to the campus and -started a fresh and impromptu celebration which usually kept up until -a faculty member appeared on the scene. Friday evening the outdoor -portion of the event was more than ordinarily prolonged and hectic, the -students marching from hall to hall, pausing in front of each for songs -or cheers or both, and finally winding up in front of the Principal’s -residence. In the dormitories, non-participants--squad members almost -without exception--leaned from open windows and looked and hearkened -with varying emotions. In 21 Upton, Bert and Chick and Dutch Kruger -foregathered at the casement and watched the ragged procession moving -across the sward from Haylow to the little mansard-roofed house -that stood by itself on the south edge of the campus. They were -singing “Gray-and-Gold,” and heard at that distance it sounded rather -impressive, rather stirring. - - “Gray-and-Gold! Gray-and-Gold! - Let your colors brave unfold, - Wave away, bring dismay - To the foe we meet to-day. - March along, brave and strong, - Alton comes with cheer and song. - Naught can hold ’gainst courage bold! - Rah! Hurrah! for the Gray-and-Gold!” - -The song ended and the cheering began. The dark mass spread fan-shaped -in front of the house. A light appeared in the hall. The cheering -subsided. “Can you hear him?” whispered Dutch. Chick shook his head. -“No. Just a word now and then. Not missing much, though, for Mac says -the same thing every year!” “‘Self-sacrifice and devotion,’” murmured -Bert. “I got that much.” The audience broke into a long “A-a-aye!” -of applause, was silent again. Chick yawned and drew away from the -window. “He’s good for another ten minutes, fellows.” “Well, I’m not,” -said Bert. Dutch held up his hand and waved an imaginary megaphone. -“Now, fellows!” he cried earnestly, aping a cheer leader. “Three long -sneers for Kenly! Every one into it! All together and let’s _go_!” The -imaginary megaphone was tossed aside, Dutch threw up his arms, bent -sideways, twiddled his fingers and swung his hands in an arc as he -straightened his body. - -“_Sni-i-if! Sni-i-if! Sni-i-if! Ken-le-e-ey!_” - -“Rotten!” scolded Dutch, shaking a fist in their faces. “They couldn’t -hear that across the field! Try it again and make it good, fellows! -_Come on!_” - -“Can’t,” laughed Chick. “I’ve bust my sniffer!” - -“Wait till I have a cold, Dutch,” said Bert. “Mac’s through. They’re -cheering again.” He went back to the window. - -“_Doctor McPherson! Doctor McPherson! Doctor McPherson!_” - -Then Freeman Naughton’s voice in the moment of succeeding silence, and -another cheer, loud and measured, ending with “Alton! _Alton!_ ALTON!” -The throng dispersed then, came trailing back over the grass in ones -and twos and larger groups, still singing, laughing, joyously noisy. -“Sometimes,” remarked Dutch, leaning over Bert’s shoulder, “it seems to -me the guys who get the most fun out of football are the ones who don’t -play!” - -“You said a mouthful,” agreed Chick. - -There was a final session in the gymnasium Friday evening. Some -thirty-five youths sat on the benches in front of the blackboard -and three coaches faced them. There was a much graver note apparent -to-night, the coaches spoke in lower tones, there was less mild -horse-play amongst the fellows. Mr. Cade drew and figured with his -chalk and asked questions, and now and then one or two of the players -arose and walked or trotted in front of the benches in explanation -of a point. There was no more drill, however, and only Mr. Cade made -anything approaching a speech, and that didn’t bear much resemblance. -After he had ended he held up a hand, anticipating Jim Galvin, who had -sprung to his feet. “No cheering, fellows! Leave that for to-morrow. -And see that you’ve something to cheer for! Every one straight to the -dormitories now and get to bed before ten o’clock. Squad dismissed!” - -But not all the squad, for he detained Ted Ball and Chick and Bert. -Mr. Lake and Mr. McFadden remained also, deep in a discussion. Mr. -Cade straddled a bench and brought forth a voluminous document from -a pocket. “Thought you’d be interested, Burton,” he said. “And you, -too, Hollins. Ball knows about it.” Chick accepted the three sheets of -paper, unfolded them and read, with Bert looking over his shoulder. - -The letter was addressed to Mr. Cade and ran as follows: - - “Some of the fellows on your team have been doing a lot of - talking around town lately and giving secrets away right and - left. The writer isn’t telling any names but if you don’t - believe it look at the end and see. Some unscrupulous parties - have given this information to the Kenly Hall football coaches - and you’ll be in a mean jam if you use these plays and a lot - more against them. They know more than a dozen of our best - plays, formations, signals and so forth and I’m telling you - this as a sympathizer so you won’t get caught napping and try - those plays and so forth on Kenly. It’s rotten business, Mr. - Cade, and some one ought to be made to suffer, but you know - how it is when people get a chance of making a little money. - Take the advice of a well-wisher and don’t try the plays you - were intending to use because you’ll get licked hard if you do. - Kenly Hall is hep to the whole works and is looking for those - plays. I would sign my name only the fellows who are doing - this dirty trick would make it hot for me if they knew I had - squealed. Yours for Fair Play, and best wishes for success, - - “UNKNOWN.” - -Followed two sheets on which were drawn, rather neatly, three football -plays, among them Number 14. There were one or two minor inaccuracies, -but any one familiar with such matters could easily have fathomed the -diagrams. Chick handed the documents back, looking questioningly at Mr. -Cade. “What are you going to do, sir?” he asked anxiously. - -“We’re going to use the plays; that is, that 14; the others are -already discarded, you know. The whole business is a bluff, just as we -suspected. You can read that in every line.” - -“Gee, I hope so!” muttered Chick. “Aren’t you going to do anything to -Devore, sir?” - -“N-no, not exactly.” Mr. Cade smiled. “It may comfort you to know, -however, that Joe Manter--I mentioned Joe, didn’t I?--has covered the -money put up by Mr. Devore’s--er--syndicate. About two hundred dollars, -I believe. Joe got odds of four to five.” - -“You mean he’s bet two hundred dollars that we’ll win?” asked Chick -incredulously. - -The coach nodded. “About a hundred and seventy, I believe. I don’t know -how much of the two hundred belongs to Devore, but if Kenly loses he’s -bound to be unpopular around town for awhile!” - -“A hundred and seventy’s a good deal of money for a newspaper reporter -to have,” observed Bert. Mr. Cade met his gaze and nodded gravely. - -“He didn’t put it all up himself, Hollins. I understand that three or -four others went into it. Personally I don’t approve of betting. In the -present case, however, as a means of applying punishment where it’s -richly deserved--well, I find justification for it!” - -“But--but, gosh,” exclaimed Chick. “If we don’t win the game Manter -loses his money!” - -“Undeniably, Burton,” replied the coach cheerfully. “There is generally -an element of uncertainty in betting.” - -“Well, I hope we win,” sighed Chick. - -“And so do I. If Joe loses his wager--” and Mr. Cade glanced briefly -at Bert-- “I shall feel, to some extent, as though it were a personal -loss!” He arose in token that the conference was at an end and the -three boys said good night. Outside, Ted chuckled. - -“Bet I know who the three or four are,” he said. “He and McFadden and -Lake!” - -“Do you suppose so?” asked Bert. “Say, we’ve got one more reason for -winning, Chick; to part Devore from his money!” - -“I’d like to part him from his head,” growled Chick. - -As the chums entered Upton, Bert descried Tommy Parish ascending the -stairs. Tommy looked back and accelerated his pace, but in the next -corridor he was still in sight as Chick opened the door of Number 21, -and as Bert prepared to follow Chick in a loud hiss came from farther -down the hall. Tommy was beckoning. Bert obeyed the summons and Tommy -came half-way back and spoke in whispers. - -“Say, Bert, I thought you’d like to know that I didn’t spill that to -Johnny. I meant to, but--well, it seemed too rotten mean. Maybe we’ll -get beaten to-morrow, but--but there are some things a fellow just -can’t do, eh? Well, so long. _À chaque jour suffit sa peine, _old_ -fève!_” - -Bert felt a bit disappointed in himself that night. Chick was very -evidently nervous and wakeful and would have talked on and on long -after the light was out, but for the life of him Bert couldn’t keep -his eyes open more than twenty minutes after his head was on the -pillow! Recalling the confessions of Ted Ball and Lum Patten, he -concluded that there was something missing in his make-up. He pictured -Ted lying awake with Coles Wistar reading poetry to him through the -small hours and felt a trifle sorry for himself. Quite evidently he was -missing an excitement, a thrill, that belonged to a normal football -player on the eve of a big game. He answered Chick more and more at -random, his voice growing sleepier and sleepier, until finally-- - -He awoke to a gray world. There was mist on the window panes and -the steam pipes were clattering loudly. Chick still slumbered, -the bed-clothes tossed and snarled about him. The clock said -six-forty-seven. Bert tried to go back to sleep for the remaining -twelve minutes, but he couldn’t. If excitement had passed him by last -night it was in full possession of him this morning. He swung out of -bed, shivering, and looked reprovingly at the misted windows. What a -day for the Big Game! - - - - -CHAPTER XXI - -ALTON CELEBRATES - - -These was no moisture in the little easterly wind that blew across -the field when Alton kicked off to Kenly, but the clouds were heavy -and the afternoon was gray and chill. Lack of sunshine, however, had -not affected the attendance. The stands were filled, the rows of -settees from the gymnasium and chairs from the halls were occupied and -the crowd spilled over the ground in large numbers and sat on rugs, -newspapers, anything that would serve. Alton was present, Academy -and town, and so to a lesser degree was Lakeville. Gray-and-gold -banners, arm-bands and megaphones lighted one side of the field, -the cherry-and-black of Kenly sprinkled the other. Earnest youths, -white-sweatered, bareheaded, gesticulated and cavorted while rival -cheers and songs rose to the sullen sky. At two o’clock, having won the -toss, Kenly spread her warriors over the north end of the gridiron. -Warriors they looked, too, rangy, broad-shouldered youths, red-sleeved, -black-helmeted. Captain Jonas swung a sturdy leg and the ball rose in -the air. But there were no tees that year and the pigskin’s flight was -short and low. Alton’s backs were far from the catcher and Kenly lined -up on her thirty-four. - -Two plunges, with a tackle carrying, ripped the Alton line wide and -made it first down almost in the middle of the field. But a third -attempt was stopped short and a full-back smash on Wick yielded but -two yards. Kenly shifted to the left and sent her quarter through Lowe -for four more. Then, however, with four to go, Kenly had to punt. The -effort, aided slightly by a gust of wind, was good for forty yards -and dropped close to the side-line and into Storer’s arms. Nip made -six before he was nailed by a Kenly end and the ball lay on the Alton -twenty-one. Galvin tried the left wing from punting position but was -unable to gain, and on the second down Storer kicked to the enemy’s -forty-six where Dutch Kruger slammed the catcher to the earth. Time was -taken out for Kenly while her quarter-back was ministered to. - -The Cherry-and-Black showed her system then. Using a shift she divided -the attack and alternated the ball between the short and long side of -the line, gaining first down on three plunges and again on four. Alton -was puzzled by the method and had difficulty in finding the runner. -The Kenly backs were heavy and, although they started slow and failed -to get under full steam by the time they reached the line, they gained -consistently. Gus Thomas was hurt and Dozier took his place at left -tackle. Alton tightened up on her thirty-three yards and Kenly used two -downs to make four yards through the line. A short pass over the center -was knocked down by Storer. The enemy right guard was pulled out of the -line and sent back to near the forty-yard line. That Kenly meant to try -a field-goal from there seemed improbable. The ball went to the kicker, -however, and he swung his leg before he sprang off to the right. Dozier -attempted a tackle and was brushed aside and the runner, swinging wide, -eluded Storer and kept on until he was run out on the fourteen. - -That Alton was due to be scored on was fairly certain, and -cherry-and-black banners waved wildly. One smash at the center of -the defending team put Kenly on the twelve. Then, using the puzzling -shift and split attack, the enemy right half charged past Haines and -went to the three yards with Bert attached to his waist. It was Galvin -who brought him down. It took two attempts to get the Kenly full-back -across the goal line, but get there he did, choosing Captain Jonas as a -final victim. - -Bert lined up under his goal post fuming at himself for not making a -better tackle. If he had got lower that runner would never have reeled -off nine yards. He should have stopped him well short of the five. -Regrets, however, were vain, for there was the ball sailing over the -cross-bar and Kenly had a nice seven-point lead! - -Again Captain Lowe booted the ball from midfield, and this time it -sailed high and far and Savell and Haines were both ready for the -catcher on his twelve yards and no amount of squirming could get him -free. The whistle blew for the period then. - -Alton retreated slowly to the enemy’s twenty-six, and there Kenly -punted. The kick went for only twenty-four yards and it was Storer who -pulled it down and, with Ted Ball speeding ahead, eluded two of the -enemy and carried back to Kenly’s thirty-six before he was smothered. -On the first play Bert took the ball and tried a straight plunge past -tackle, making a scant two. Galvin smashed into the left of the line -for two more. Galvin then threw a forward-pass to the left and Storer -missed it by inches. Storer went back to the forty-yard line and punted -to the seven. Kenly let the ball roll over and lined up on her twenty. -On the first play she was caught off-side and was set back. A fake kick -with the punter sliding off Haines got four yards and then Kenly punted -to Alton’s forty-three, Ball catching and coming back six. - -A sweep to the left, with Galvin carrying, netted seven, and the same -play with Bert in possession added four more. Storer smashed out -two through the opposing right guard and then threw straight over -center to Bert, who, although fairly carried back by the secondary -defense, netted six more. With two yards to go on third down Bert -shot off around the left behind a wall of interference, cut in -sharply and eluded four tacklers before he was hurled to earth on the -Kenly eighteen. That tackle left Bert flat and time was called. When -he was on his feet again there was Larry Walsh reporting and Bert -trailed sadly off, sadly and sorely too, for the termination of that -eleven-yard dash had been a thing of bursting stars and whirling moons! - -It was Walsh who ate his way by short, irresistible attacks on the -enemy line from the eighteen yards to the seven, Walsh only once -relieved by Galvin. The chain had to be dragged in to decide matters -after the eighth down, but Alton was safe by a few inches. Storer went -wide for a scant yard and left the ball nearly in front of the posts, -with less than forty seconds of playing time left. Galvin retired to -the fifteen-yard line, took the pass from Patten, faked a drop-kick and -hurled straight past the right-hand goal post to Savell. Fitz, although -apparently hopelessly surrounded by foes, pulled the pigskin down and -went to earth four yards behind the line! - -Storer added a point from the try and Alton shouted frantically and -loudly. Coach Cade rushed Cahill, Howard and Lovell in and Patten, -Haines and Ball retired. Kenly kicked off to Bus Lovell on the latter’s -seven yards, Bus ran nearly across the field in an effort to find a -hole in the charging line of enemy players and finally was thrown for a -yard loss. And then an asthmatic horn ended the half. - -For fifteen minutes the rival cheering sections entertained with song -while anxious enthusiasts discussed past and future. So far neither -team had shown an attack quite good enough to warrant implicit faith -on the part of its friends. Kenly had actually gained more ground by -rushing and had proved herself somewhat more irresistible than Alton, -but no great advantage had been exhibited by either contender. So far -as the final outcome was concerned, that first half might as well not -have been played. - -Alton took the field again about as she had ended the second period, -the only difference in her line-up being at right end where Chick had -succeeded Savell. Kenly kicked off and Alton caught on her twelve yards -and went to the sixteen before she was stopped. On three sweep plays -Galvin and Storer made it first down on the twenty-eight. Galvin tried -a long pass down the field, but Storer failed to get near it and the -ball grounded. Walsh poked his way through the right for three yards -and then was stopped behind his line for a loss of two. Storer punted -to Kenly’s thirty where a back fumbled and finally, closely pursued by -Chick, fell on the ball near his twenty. Alton was caught holding in -the line and Kenly went to the twenty-six and started on a march that -brought her finally to the enemy forty-two. There Alton called on the -services of Hop Meecham and Lum Patten and stopped the invasion. Kenly -tried a forward-pass, which failed, and then punted. - -Lovell was thrown hard on his five-yard line and gave way to Ted Ball. -Storer got free around left end and reeled off eight yards before he -was thrown out of bounds. Walsh failed to gain in the line and Storer -punted to Kenly’s forty where Chick nailed the catcher. On the first -play Kenly fumbled and recovered for a seven-yard loss. An off-side -penalty set her farther back and, after a sweep that was good for two -yards, she punted to Storer on Alton’s forty-four. Galvin made three -and then four more. Walsh was stopped for no gain, and with three to go -on fourth down, Ball used a double-pass and sent Storer around left end -for five. The third period ended. - -Bert went in and Walsh retired. On the first play from the Kenly -twenty-seven Bert took the ball from Patten and shot around left end -behind strong interference. Past the line, he was hit by a tackler and -went down. But he rolled over, found his feet and went on again to the -fifteen. There a second enemy launched himself at the runner, missed -and sent Bert once more to earth. Rolling, Bert went nearly to the -five-yard line. There he once more recovered himself and, dodging a -third tackler, went over! - -Ted Ball tried to kick the goal but sent the pigskin into the line -instead, and Alton had to be satisfied with the six points. It sounded -as though she was! - -Kenly kicked off to Howard who caught on the sixteen and plowed through -a small army of opposing players to his twenty-two. Ted tried Number -14 for the second time and Galvin ripped through between guard and -center on the left for twelve yards. Galvin got four more on the other -side but was hurt and gave way to Couch. Dozier came around and slid -off tackle for three and Kruger made the same trip for three more and -first down on the Alton forty-five. Kenly broke through and stopped -Storer for a loss. Ball scampered around the right for three and Bert -added two off tackle on the other side of the line. Storer went back to -the forty-two yards and faked a punt, throwing the pigskin far and to -the right. Chick found no one to dispute his right to the ball, made a -clean catch of it and went on along the side-line from the fifty to the -twenty-six, where he was forced out. - -Kenly tried desperately to turn back the invasion and twice stopped -plays at tackle. On third down, however, Storer threw a short pass to -Bert and once more Bert gave an imitation of a corkscrew. He caught on -the sixteen, slipped out of a tackler’s arms, zigzagged to the ten-yard -line, was almost stopped there but got free again and was finally -brought down on the four, just short of his goal. Storer tried the left -for no gain and, with Number 14, Couch got two of the remaining four -yards. Storer went back as if to drop-kick and Patten shot the ball to -Bert who took it on the run and swung wide around the Kenly right wing -and went over almost without opposition close to the corner. - -This time Storer made the try and sent the pigskin neatly across, -and the score-board proclaimed Kenly 7, Visitor 20, and Tommy Parish -swallowed a peanut shell and almost choked! - -With less than three minutes left, Kenly substituted generously and -Coach Cade made a few changes; Tate for Kruger--Dutch was about -played out--, Tifton for Captain Lowe and Ness for Storer. Ness took -the kick-off, was toppled where he caught and then ripped off eight -yards past the Kenly left tackle. Kenly, although dismayed, fought -desperately and two downs left the ball a half-foot short of the -distance. Ted Ball sent the backs around the right and snaked a hidden -ball over for the needed distance. Substitutes began to appear after -every play, and presently Bert, happy but protesting, gave way to Keys. -There wasn’t much left of the first-string line-up during the last -minute or so. Kenly, too, was presenting a practically fresh team. -Alton made her way to her forty-two yards on two dashes by Ness, and -there, with the last minute ticking itself off, Riding, just from the -side-line, dropped back, took the ball from center and threw it across -the field to Keys and Keys threw far down into the gray dimness to -where Chick, hand upraised, was circling in toward the center of the -field. - -The Kenly safety man was almost on him when Chick got his fingers on -the ball, but Chick was not to be stopped. Somehow he twisted himself -aside, felt the tackler’s frantic hands slip away, staggered back and -saw a clear field ahead. But pursuit was close behind him as he started -away, pursuit composed of friend and foe jumbled confusedly. Perhaps -Chick was thinking of the countenance framed on Johnny Cade’s mantel, -perhaps he was remembering that here and now were his last moments of -preparatory school football, perhaps he wasn’t thinking a thing but -that thirty yards between him and the goal. That as may have been, he -ran faster than he had ever run in his life in a football game. Behind -him interference and attack met and dropped from the chase, but right -to the last white line a red-and-black-legged enemy kept on his heels, -arms outstretched for the tackle that was never made until too late. -Chick was run out when he reached the goal-line, and he crumpled up a -yard beyond it, the ball under him and the equally exhausted pursuer -flung across his legs. - -No one cared a mite that Pete Ness fumbled the pass and so never had -a chance to add a goal to that touchdown. Twenty-six points were -enough! Not for years had Alton triumphed so signally over the ancient -rival, and Alton made much of the victory. Over the field she marched, -cheering, singing, throwing caps and megaphones aloft, while twilight -gathered fast and the Kenly horde, standing with bared heads, sung -the school song. The Alton players, heroes all, bobbed about on the -shoulders of maniacal youths, Lum Patten with the scarred football -clasped in triumph under one tattered gray sleeve. - - * * * * * - -“I guess he’s got it by now,” mused Tommy Parish. “Some present, if you -_demander moi_.” - -“No one has any idea of asking you, Tommy,” replied Bert. “As a matter -of plain and unvarnished fact, it wasn’t so blame much of a present -after all.” - -“What? Why wasn’t it?” exclaimed Tommy, outraged. - -“Well, was it? There are more than four hundred fellows here and we -managed to get an eighty-dollar chest of near-silver!” - -“Well, a lot of tightwads didn’t subscribe!” Tommy protested. - -“I know. That’s the answer.” - -“Shut up, you two,” grumbled Chick. “For Pete’s sake, Tommy, don’t you -ever do any studying?” - -Tommy nodded and dropped a hand into a pocket. The nod wasn’t an -emphatic nod, for he was undergoing an attack of boils just now, -but its meaning was plain. “Sure, I have to study,” he replied -untroubledly, “but I don’t believe in overdoing it. Say, Chick, don’t -you think the wedding present we sent Johnny was all right?” - -“Of course it was. He’s got enough plated silver to last him a -lifetime. Say, by the way, the wedding’s to-morrow, isn’t it?” Chick -leaned back from the table and looked thoughtful. “Well, I hope he will -be happy. That’s sure a nice girl he’s marrying!” - -Bert chuckled. “I believe you’re sweet on her yourself, Chick.” - -Chick grinned but made no denial. Tommy said: “Wish he’d change his -mind and come back next year, though.” - -“He won’t,” said Chick positively. “You fellows will have some one else -to boss you next fall.” - -“He won’t boss me,” said Tommy comfortably. “Say, Chick, what train you -going on Wednesday?” - -“First one I can get. Why?” - -“Mind if I come along? I’m only taking a small bag home, so maybe I can -help you with your stuff.” - -Chick shot an appealing look at Bert, but the latter only grinned and -said: “Good scheme, Tommy. You New Yorkers must hang together. Maybe -you can get Chick to play with you a bit during vacation!” - -Chick uttered a howl of rage. “Shut up, you dumb-bell! Tommy, for the -love of lemons, beat it and let me study, won’t you?” - -“Sure!” Tommy bestowed a last lingering look of affection on Chick -and ambled to the door. There, “Well, see you to-morrow!” he added -cheerfully. - -“Heaven forbid!” moaned Chick devoutly under his breath. - -“Night, Bert.” Tommy almost vanished. Then, however, his round -countenance came into view again. “Say, I almost forgot, fellows! Have -some peanuts?” - - -THE END - - - - -Football and Baseball Stories - -=Durably Bound. Illustrated. Colored Wrappers.= - -=Every Volume Complete in Itself.= - - -The Ralph Henry Barbour Books for Boys - -In these up-to-the-minute, spirited genuine stories of boy life there -is something which will appeal to every boy with the love of manliness, -cleanness and sportsmanship in his heart. - - LEFT END EDWARDS - LEFT TACKLE THAYER - LEFT GUARD GILBERT - CENTER RUSH ROWLAND - FULLBACK FOSTER - LEFT HALF HARMON - RIGHT END EMERSON - RIGHT GUARD GRANT - QUARTERBACK BATES - RIGHT TACKLE TODD - RIGHT HALF HOLLINS - - -The Christy Mathewson Books for Boys - -Every boy wants to know how to play ball in the fairest and squarest -way. These books about boys and baseball are full of wholesome and -manly interest and information. - - PITCHER POLLOCK - CATCHER CRAIG - FIRST BASE FAULKNER - SECOND BASE SLOAN - PITCHING IN A PINCH - -THIRD BASE THATCHER, By Everett Scott - - -GROSSET & DUNLAP, _Publishers_, NEW YORK - - - - -THE TOM SLADE BOOKS - -By PERCY KEESE FITZHUGH - -Author of “Roy Blakeley,” “Pee-wee Harris,” “Westy Martin,” Etc. - -=Illustrated. Individual Picture Wrappers in Colors.= - -=Every Volume Complete in Itself.= - - -“Let your boy grow up with Tom Slade,” is a suggestion which thousands -of parents have followed during the past, with the result that the TOM -SLADE BOOKS are the most popular boys’ books published today. They -take Tom Slade through a series of typical boy adventures through his -tenderfoot days as a scout, through his gallant days as an American -doughboy in France, back to his old patrol and the old camp ground at -Black Lake, and so on. - - TOM SLADE, BOY SCOUT - TOM SLADE AT TEMPLE CAMP - TOM SLADE ON THE RIVER - TOM SLADE WITH THE COLORS - TOM SLADE ON A TRANSPORT - TOM SLADE WITH THE BOYS OVER THERE - TOM SLADE, MOTORCYCLE DISPATCH BEARER - TOM SLADE WITH THE FLYING CORPS - TOM SLADE AT BLACK LAKE - TOM SLADE ON MYSTERY TRAIL - TOM SLADE’S DOUBLE DARE - TOM SLADE ON OVERLOOK MOUNTAIN - TOM SLADE PICKS A WINNER - TOM SLADE AT BEAR MOUNTAIN - TOM SLADE: FOREST RANGER - TOM SLADE IN THE NORTH WOODS - - -GROSSET & DUNLAP, _Publishers_, NEW YORK - - - - -THE ROY BLAKELEY BOOKS - -By PERCY KEESE FITZHUGH - -Author of “Tom Slade,” “Pee-wee Harris,” “Westy Martin,” Etc. - -=Illustrated. Picture Wrappers in Color.= - -=Every Volume Complete in Itself.= - - -In the character and adventures of Roy Blakeley are typified the very -essence of Boy life. He is a real boy, as real as Huck Finn and Tom -Sawyer. He is the moving spirit of the troop of Scouts of which he is -a member, and the average boy has to go only a little way in the first -book before Roy is the best friend he ever had, and he is willing to -part with his best treasure to get the next book in the series. - - ROY BLAKELEY - ROY BLAKELEY’S ADVENTURES IN CAMP - ROY BLAKELEY, PATHFINDER - ROY BLAKELEY’S CAMP ON WHEELS - ROY BLAKELEY’S SILVER FOX PATROL - ROY BLAKELEY’S MOTOR CARAVAN - ROY BLAKELEY, LOST, STRAYED OR STOLEN - ROY BLAKELEY’S BEE-LINE HIKE - ROY BLAKELEY AT THE HAUNTED CAMP - ROY BLAKELEY’S FUNNY BONE HIKE - ROY BLAKELEY’S TANGLED TRAIL - ROY BLAKELEY ON THE MOHAWK TRAIL - ROY BLAKELEY’S ELASTIC HIKE - ROY BLAKELEY’S ROUNDABOUT HIKE - - -GROSSET & DUNLAP, _Publishers_, NEW YORK - - - - -THE PEE-WEE HARRIS BOOKS - -By PERCY KEESE FITZHUGH - -Author of “Tom Slade,” “Roy Blakeley,” “Westy Martin,” Etc. - -=Illustrated. Individual Picture Wrappers in Color.= - -=Every Volume Complete in Itself.= - - -All readers of the Tom Slade and the Roy Blakeley books are acquainted -with Pee-wee Harris. These stories record the true facts concerning his -size (what there is of it) and his heroism (such as it is), his voice, -his clothes, his appetite, his friends, his enemies, his victims. -Together with the thrilling narrative of how he foiled, baffled, -circumvented and triumphed over everything and everybody (except where -he failed) and how even when he failed he succeeded. The whole recorded -in a series of screams and told with neither muffler nor cut-out. - - PEE-WEE HARRIS - PEE-WEE HARRIS ON THE TRAIL - PEE-WEE HARRIS IN CAMP - PEE-WEE HARRIS IN LUCK - PEE-WEE HARRIS ADRIFT - PEE-WEE HARRIS F. O. B. BRIDGEBORO - PEE-WEE HARRIS FIXER - PEE-WEE HARRIS: AS GOOD AS HIS WORD - PEE-WEE HARRIS: MAYOR FOR A DAY - PEE-WEE HARRIS AND THE SUNKEN TREASURE - - -GROSSET & DUNLAP, _Publishers_, NEW YORK - - - - -THE LITTLE WASHINGTONS SERIES - -By LILLIAN ELIZABETH ROY - -=Handsomely Bound. Colored Wrappers. Illustrated.= - -=For Children 6 to 12 Years.= - - -This series presents early American history in a manner that impresses -the young readers. Because of George and Martha Washington Parke, two -young descendants of the famous General Washington, these stories -follow exactly the life of the great American, by means of playing they -act the life of the Washingtons, both in battles and in society. - - -THE LITTLE WASHINGTONS - -Their thrilling battles and expeditions generally end in “punishment” -lessons read by Mrs. Parke from the “Life of Washington.” The culprits -listen intently, for this reading generally gives them new ideas for -further games of Indian warfare and Colonists’ battles. - - -THE LITTLE WASHINGTONS’ RELATIVES - -The Davis children visit the Parke home and join zealously in the games -of playing General Washington. So zealously, in fact, that little Jim -almost loses his scalp. - - -THE LITTLE WASHINGTONS’ TRAVELS - -The children wage a fierce battle upon the roof of a hotel in New York -City. Then, visiting the Davis home in Philadelphia, the patriotic -Washingtons vanquish the Hessians on a battle-field in the empty lot -back of the Davis property. - - -THE LITTLE WASHINGTONS AT SCHOOL - -After the school-house battle the Washingtons discover a band of -gypsies camping near the back road to their homes and incidentally they -secure the stolen horse which the gypsies had taken from the “butter -and egg farmer” of the Parkes. - - -THE LITTLE WASHINGTONS’ HOLIDAYS - -They spend a pleasant summer on two adjoining farms in Vermont. During -the voyage they try to capture a “frigate” but little Jim is caught and -about to be punished by the Captain when his confederates hasten in and -save him. - - -GROSSET & DUNLAP, PUBLISHERS, NEW YORK - - - - -THE TOM SWIFT SERIES - -By VICTOR APPLETON - -=Uniform Style of Binding. Individual Colored Wrappers.= - -=Every Volume Complete in Itself.= - - -Every boy possesses some form of inventive genius. Tom Swift is a -bright, ingenious boy and his inventions and adventures make the most -interesting kind of reading. - - TOM SWIFT AND HIS MOTOR CYCLE - TOM SWIFT AND HIS MOTOR BOAT - TOM SWIFT AND HIS AIRSHIP - TOM SWIFT AND HIS SUBMARINE BOAT - TOM SWIFT AND HIS ELECTRIC RUNABOUT - TOM SWIFT AND HIS WIRELESS MESSAGE - TOM SWIFT AMONG THE DIAMOND MAKERS - TOM SWIFT IN THE CAVES OF ICE - TOM SWIFT AND HIS SKY RACER - TOM SWIFT AND HIS ELECTRIC RIFLE - TOM SWIFT IN THE CITY OF GOLD - TOM SWIFT AND HIS AIR GLIDER - TOM SWIFT IN CAPTIVITY - TOM SWIFT AND HIS WIZARD CAMERA - TOM SWIFT AND HIS GREAT SEARCHLIGHT - TOM SWIFT AND HIS GIANT CANNON - TOM SWIFT AND HIS PHOTO TELEPHONE - TOM SWIFT AND HIS AERIAL WARSHIP - TOM SWIFT AND HIS BIG TUNNEL - TOM SWIFT IN THE LAND OF WONDERS - TOM SWIFT AND HIS WAR TANK - TOM SWIFT AND HIS AIR SCOUT - TOM SWIFT AND HIS UNDERSEA SEARCH - TOM SWIFT AMONG THE FIRE FIGHTERS - TOM SWIFT AND HIS ELECTRIC LOCOMOTIVE - TOM SWIFT AND HIS FLYING BOAT - TOM SWIFT AND HIS GREAT OIL GUSHER - TOM SWIFT AND HIS CHEST OF SECRETS - TOM SWIFT AND HIS AIRLINE EXPRESS - - -GROSSET & DUNLAP, PUBLISHERS, NEW YORK - - - - -THE DON STURDY SERIES - -By VICTOR APPLETON - - -=Individual Colored Wrappers and Text Illustrations by= - -=WALTER S. ROGERS= - -=Every Volume Complete in Itself.= - - -In company with his uncles, one a mighty hunter and the other a noted -scientist, Don Sturdy travels far and wide, gaining much useful -knowledge and meeting many thrilling adventures. - - -DON STURDY ON THE DESERT OF MYSTERY; - -An engrossing tale of the Sahara Desert, of encounters with wild -animals and crafty Arabs. - - -DON STURDY WITH THE BIG SNAKE HUNTERS; - -Don’s uncle, the hunter, took an order for some of the biggest snakes -to be found in South America--to be delivered alive! - - -DON STURDY IN THE TOMBS OF GOLD; - -A fascinating tale of exploration and adventure in the Valley of Kings -in Egypt. - - -DON STURDY ACROSS THE NORTH POLE; - -A great polar blizzard nearly wrecks the airship of the explorers. - - -DON STURDY IN THE LAND OF VOLCANOES; - -An absorbing tale of adventures among the volcanoes of Alaska. - - -DON STURDY IN THE PORT OF LOST SHIPS; - -This story is just full of exciting and fearful experiences on the sea. - - -DON STURDY AMONG THE GORILLAS; - -A thrilling story of adventure in darkest Africa. Don is carried over a -mighty waterfall into the heart of gorilla land. - - -GROSSET & DUNLAP, _Publishers_, NEW YORK - - - - -THE RADIO BOYS SERIES - -(Trademark Registered) - -By ALLEN CHAPMAN - -Author of the “Railroad Series,” Etc. - -=Individual Colored Wrappers. Illustrated.= - -=Every Volume Complete in Itself.= - - -A new series for boys giving full details of radio work, both in -sending and receiving--telling how small and large amateur sets can be -made and operated, and how some boys got a lot of fun and adventure -out of what they did. Each volume from first to last is so thoroughly -fascinating, so strictly up-to-date and accurate, we feel sure all lads -will peruse them with great delight. - -Each volume has a Foreword by Jack Binns, the well-known radio expert. - - THE RADIO BOYS’ FIRST WIRELESS - THE RADIO BOYS AT OCEAN POINT - THE RADIO BOYS AT THE SENDING STATION - THE RADIO BOYS AT MOUNTAIN PASS - THE RADIO BOYS TRAILING A VOICE - THE RADIO BOYS WITH THE FOREST RANGERS - THE RADIO BOYS WITH THE ICEBERG PATROL - THE RADIO BOYS WITH THE FLOOD FIGHTERS - THE RADIO BOYS ON SIGNAL ISLAND - THE RADIO BOYS IN GOLD VALLEY - - -GROSSET & DUNLAP, _Publishers_, NEW YORK - - - - - Transcriber’s Notes: - - --Text in italics is enclosed by underscores (_italics_); text in - bold by “equal” signs (=bold=). - - --Except for the frontispiece, illustrations have been moved to - follow the text that they illustrate. - - --Printer's, punctuation and spelling inaccuracies were silently - corrected. - - --Archaic and variable spelling has been preserved. - - --Variations in hyphenation and compound words have been preserved. - - --The author’s em-dash style has been retained. - - - - - - -End of Project Gutenberg's Right Half Hollins, by Ralph Henry Barbour - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK RIGHT HALF HOLLINS *** - -***** This file should be named 53986-0.txt or 53986-0.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/3/9/8/53986/ - -Produced by Donald Cummings and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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