Two good carpenters employed for two whole days soon righted the damage done by the blaze. Pole, when he was able to navigate again and had viewed the interior of the badly charred storeroom, declared, "Looks to me like matches and mice!" This seemed to be the concensus of opinion among the fellows as to the origin of the fire. The room had been filled with spare pieces of furniture, some of which were packed in excelsior. There was also a great quantity of extra bedding in the room. This accounted for the dense smoke which almost proved fatal to a number of fellows.
Judd was now quite an object of interest, and lauded wherever he went, as a hero. He, however, disliked publicity and oftentimes, when out walking, would make many detours to avoid encountering fellows whom he knew would lavish compliments upon him. Pole and Potts became steadfast friends of Judd's since that eventful night. But the gulf between Judd and Benz had noticeably widened. Judd was fast gaining such recognition on the second team as a star that it seemed probable he might be shifted to the varsity any day. Cateye had earnestly hoped that his room-mate might be given a chance. Just one chance! But it seemed as if that chance would never come.
One night, it was now almost November, Cateye was just returning to the locker room after football practice, when he came up to Coach Phillips and Benz on the way.
Something that Benz was saying caused Cateye to almost stop in his tracks. His pace slackened. He lagged behind within hearing distance.
"Yes, I know Judd is pretty fair,—but I'd still sort of hate to trust him in a game. Of course, if you think he's better than Walker, why,—"
"Well,—Walker hasn't shown up exceptionally good lately and I'm thinking of making a shift soon," replied the coach.
"Walker has complained of being sick this week," bluffed Benz, lamely."He'll be o.k. in a couple of days. Don't worry."
Cateye increased his steps and hastened past.
"Benz!" cried Cateye, to himself, "You whiner! The only way you could get even with a man was to stab him in the back! I really thought you were loyal to your college,—to the team."
The following Saturday, November fifth, Bartlett College met and defeated the Wynham Medical School, 13 to 6, thus keeping up their unbroken string of victories. But the victory was a dear one. Cateye, at left guard, suffered a badly wrenched knee, and Pole, at right end, nursed a sprained ankle. These men would be out of the game for at least a week. Judd, who had come to admire the brilliant work of Cateye, both on offense and defense, felt very bad over his injury.
"You never miss the water till the well runs dry," Judd told Cateye, the night after the game. "They'll appreciate what a darn good guard you've been now, when they try to find some one to fill your shoes!"
"Bosh! There's plenty of fellows just as good as I am, Judd, and better!" laughed Cateye, punching Judd with a crutch. "There's a guy by the name of Mister Billings, for instance, who,—"
"Do you suppose I'll git a chance now?" demanded Judd.
"Can't help but get a chance! They've got to put you in. No one else good enough!"
"Would they be putting me in your position?"
"Most likely."
"I won't do it!"
"Won't do what?"
"I won't play your position!"
"Nonsense, Judd. You'll play wherever Coach Phillips puts you."
"Maybe I will, but then, maybe I won't!"
"Why not?"
"I don't want your position. I'll quit football first. That settles it!"
"Judd, don't talk that way. It's for the team. Don't mind me. I'm out of it. I want you to show people how good you really are. I'd like to write and tell Bob,—"
"Nothin' doin'! If they try to put Judd Billings in your position he'll hand in his resignation."
* * * * *
Cateye was right. Coach Phillips was forced to give Judd a chance.The next practice had not gone five minutes before Phillips called toJudd. "Billings, come over here. I want you to fill in at left guardon the varsity."
"I'm sorry, sir, but can't you put me in some other position?"
"I'm afraid that is impossible, Billings. Tell me, what is your reason for not wishing to play left guard?"
Judd was silent.
Coach Phillips saw a strange light in the boy's eyes. He stepped over, laid a friendly hand on Judd's rugged shoulder.
"Well?"
"… It's like this," Judd began, softly, "That's Cateye's position. He,—he's the best friend I've got. The fellows think I'm just a rube, but I—I appreciate a pal like Cateye. I … I'd give my life for him any day,—but take his position,—well—I just can't, sir!"
Coach Phillips was deeply touched. Here was loyalty in a deeper sense than he had ever seen it before. If Judd could only be taught the same sense of loyalty toward his college! Judd shifted his feet, restlessly; he was slightly embarrassed. He had planned to quit abruptly if asked to take Cateye's place and the fact that he had confessed to the coach his reason for not wanting the position made Judd a trifle indignant. For at least a full minute neither one spoke.
Coach Phillips dropped his hand from Judd's shoulder.
"All right," he said, "I'll not try to force you. Go back to the seconds. Play left tackle."
"Thank you, sir," replied Judd, brightening up. "If you ever want me to play another position," … he added, trying to make amends.
"Don't worry, Rube. We're bound to use you before the season's out," reassured Phillips, as he turned away. "Conklin!" calling to another man on the second team, "Get in at left guard on the varsity. Yes, I'm speaking to you! Snappy now!"
The energy that Judd put into his work that afternoon spread joy among the members of the second team and darkened the hopes of the ambitious varsity. Largely through his untiring efforts the second team pushed over a touchdown, starting from mid-field, in exactly seven minutes by the watch. Such a feat heretofore that season had been unheard of!
"Oh you lemons!" some onlooker yelled at the varsity. "Can't you stopRube?"
It was apparent to all that Judd, almost single-handed, was responsible for the seconds' touchdown. Time and again he had opened great holes in the line through which McCabe and Kinyon loped for big gains.
But the varsity as well as the onlookers were destined to more surprises. With the seconds leading, 7 to 0, the varsity took the kickoff and drove the ball savagely up the field to the seconds' five yard line. But every man on the second team was fighting hard now, spurred on by the excited cries of the half hundred spectators.
"Hold 'em, seconds! They can't score on you! Brace up, Rube! Stop those guys!"
The varsity was determined to push across that touchdown. Benz was angry. It was the first time during the season that the seconds had led in the scoring. The pill was a bitter one to swallow when he realized that it had been Judd who was responsible for the showing. Benz tapped Neil, varsity quarterback, on the arm, and whispered in his ear: "Play everything through the left side of the line. It's weakest. We got to have a touchdown!" Then to himself: "Here's where I show up Rube! Right through left tackle for a touchdown. Three plays to make it in. We'll smash him to bits!"
Neil began calling signals. Benz dashed forward, seized the ball and plunged straight toward left tackle. Judd broke through the line, pushing guard and tackle aside, and dropped Benz for a loss of two yards.
The onlookers howled in glee. Coach Phillips was openly pleased at Judd's showing, "That boy can play!" he told himself, then to the varsity. "You fellows are rotten, … rotten!" he rasped. "Can't even gain on the scrubs!"
"We'll show you!" challenged Benz, now in a rage. "Just give me that ball again and, … and interference!"
The second play headed straight for the left side of the line; headed straight for, … but not through. Judd was again equal to the occasion. He toppled the entire interference and in some miraculous way tackled Benz for another loss.
"No wonder we can't gain!" cried Benz, indignant at this failure, "WhenRube is playing off side!"
"I wasn't playin' off side!" denied Judd, quick to resent this charge."You'd better take that back or, …"
"Or what?" sneered Benz, stepping up, hotly.
Judd, getting control of himself, turned away.
The spectators laughed but Coach Phillips put a stop to their merriment and censured the two players. "Another word from either of you fellows and I'll send you off the field. Play ball!"
The last try for a touchdown was an end run by Gary, halfback, around left end. Judd spilled the interference and McCabe grabbed the runner. The varsity had lost three yards in three downs against the despised seconds!
McCabe drew Judd back of the line for a punt and Judd booted the ball far down the field out of danger. When scrimmage ended it found the ball in mid-field and the score still, 7 to 0, in favor of the scrubs.
The onlookers gathered in a bunch. "Rah, rah, rah! Rah, rah, rah!Dubs, dubs, dubs!"
It wasn't very often they got such an opportunity to rub it in to the varsity.
Most of the first team members left the field downcast and dejected.It was indeed a disgrace to be walloped by the scrubs with the seasonalmost over. If Pennington should hear of this they would take theBartlett eleven less seriously.
"What d'you say we celebrate our victory?" suggested McCabe, who had played quarterback for three years on the second and considered this one of the moments in his football career.
"Good idee!" supported Randolph, fullback.
"Where'll we hold the celebration?" asked Parsins, center.
"Down by the bend in the river, to-night, eight o'clock sharp!" instructed McCabe, "Everyone be there?"
"Yea!"
"How about you, Rube?"
"I reckon I can be there," Judd responded.
"Say, … bring your mouth organ with you, will you?" requested McCabe, suddenly. "We want some music."
"Well, … maybe."
"All right! Good!" said McCabe, taking it for granted. "Eight o'clock then, fellows. By the way, don't tell a soul. It's just us despised seconds that are in on this celebration, you know."
* * * * *
"If you won't tell me where you are going, Judd, please, … how late will you be out?" It was Cateye questioning. Judd generally told where he was going when he went out but to-night he was tight as a clam.
"Can't say," replied Judd, grinning, "Don't know, rather," he added when he saw Cateye's puzzled look.
"Judd," reprimanded Cateye, "I feel like I was some sort of guardian over you. Remember, Benz hasn't gotten even with you yet and every move you make just heaps so many more coals on the fire!"
"I reckon I can take care of myself," drawled Judd, doubling up two rock-like fists. "Good-bye!"
Pretty Falls river was a good quarter of a mile from Bartlett College. It was wide and deep and swift! Unhappily for lovers of canoe riding the river possessed too many little falls or jagged, protruding rocks, to make this sport safe. However, there were certain swimming holes which were popular in the late spring and summer weather.
On this particular moonlight night, although the air was chilly, every member of the Bartlett second team gathered for a celebration near the bank of the Pretty Falls. The first arrivals had built a huge bonfire and the entire squad crowded around it. Speeches and music of all sorts seemed to be the main program of the evening.
While the seconds were, as they thought, secretly enjoying themselves, Benz was busy about the campus plotting their destruction. In some mysterious way the news of the would-be celebration had leaked out. It was easy to get some fifty students to co-operate with him in the scheme. In fact, most of the first team were so enthusiastic over the idea that they led the army on the march to attack the unsuspecting scrubs.
McCabe was last speaker and he was discoursing highly upon the merits of the second team, the honors that it had won, et cetera.
"Gentlemen," said McCabe, "To-day has marked a great day in the history of the second football team. Well may we say with Caesar, 'I came; I saw; I conquered.' We sent the enemy home with drooping heads, flushing with shame! Their retreat to the locker room was the saddest sight I ever hope to witness. The tears shed by the vanquished would have kept Noah's ark afloat for thirty years. It is with sincere regret that I order the camp fire to be smothered; the arms to be stacked; and the last bugle call to be sounded. We are out of provisions. We must retreat, … hey! Beat it, fellows! We are discovered!"
With wild whoops and yells the foe, half a hundred strong, charged down upon the unprepared enemy. McCabe didn't stop to review his troops or present a battle front. He fled like Antony from the clutch of Caesar. Judd was slow in getting under way but gave a good account of himself until overpowered by sheer force of numbers.
"Tie those legs!" cried one of the enemy, holding his stomach, "He kicks worse than a mule!"
Benz threw a noose over Judd's feet and drew it tight, until he quieted down.
"This is a new game to me," Judd grinned, "But I reckon it's all right."
The enemy laughed. Outposts came up dragging other prisoners. McCabe had almost gotten away but was captured on a fierce tackle by Bartz, who played left end on the varsity.
"What shall we do with 'em, sir?" asked Bartz, turning and salutingBenz, respectfully.
"How many have you captured?"
"Six, sir, not counting Rube and McCabe."
"Good! Make them run the gauntlet and release them!"
"And what shall we do with the other two?"
"Hold them until further orders!"
"Very well, sir."
The other six were forced to run the gauntlet, very unwillingly indeed, for it consisted in crawling upon hands and knees between some thirty pairs of legs, and to receive, upon passing between each pair, a tremendous whack from the palm of the hand of the owner of said pair of legs.
When the unfortunate members of the second team completed the running of the gauntlet not one of them complained of the cold. The heat created was perfectly sufficient to keep them warm all the way home. In fact it was far more penetrating than the soft warmth thrown off by the camp fire.
"Now, skidoo!" yelled some fifty voices, and the six seconds each took a second in making their exit from the scene of the disaster.
"I wonder what they can be going to do with us?" grinned McCabe, toJudd. "Say, … do I look like a defeated general?"
"Never give up the ship!" kidded Judd, then to the three fellows who were holding him down: "What's the idea of tyin' my feet?"
"General's orders, sir, General's orders!"
Benz strode up.
"Escort or carry the prisoners down to the old bridge. Forward march, men!"
It did not take long to reach the bridge.
Bartz ran up to Benz. "What are you going to do?" he asked, suspiciously. "Surely you're not thinking of ducking 'em this time of year!"
"No, … only scare 'em! We'll hold 'em over the rail an' make believe we're going to drop 'em. Savvy?"
"I getcha. I thought that's what you were up to all the time," apologized Bartz, then in a louder voice; "Which one first, general?"
"Rube!" Benz shouted, sternly. "Here's where he shows the yellow streak," he said to himself. "Before all these fellows, too! … Rube, you being the main offender, you must pay the penalty with your life. Carry him up to the rail, men!"
The fellows obeyed, soberly.
"You're not goin' to throw me in with my feet tied, are you?" asked Judd, calmly, without an effort to struggle. It was quite dark save for the reflection cast by the moon.
"We sure are!" Benz winked at the crowd that stood just behind, watching proceedings. "Any word you wish to leave for friends or relatives? Any directions as to how you want your earthly goods disposed of?"
"No, I reckon I'm ready to die now. The sooner the better," repliedJudd, undaunted.
Benz hesitated. His bluff was not having the desired effect. "Why don't he beg for mercy?" Benz asked himself. "Isn't that guy afraid of anything?"
Then Benz did a daring thing. Without stopping to think of the consequences he seized Judd's shackled feet and lifted them over the low rail. A dozen hands assisted in hoisting Judd's big body up and over. Here was the critical moment. Would he beg now? If not, the fellows must pull him back and acknowledge that he was real stuff.
"How about it, Rube?" asked Benz, watching Judd's face closely, as he helped hold him, suspended, over the river. Not a muscle in Judd's body so much as quivered.
"You might untie my legs,…" he said again, quietly. "I never tried to swim that way."
Splash! It was done! Judd had dropped, how, no one knew, … except Benz. There were wild cries and shouts; fellows crossed on both sides of the river to try and get trace of him. It was so dark no one saw him reappear, if he did reappear; after he struck the water. Benz, his teeth chattering with fright, ran back and forth upon the bridge not knowing what to do.
"He's drowned!" shouted McCabe, "No man can swim with his feet tied in that river! Benz, your practical joke worked this time!"
"The falls!" somebody shrieked. "They're just a little below that bend. He'll go over them and into the mill pond sure!"
Fellows began running along the river bank below the bend.
"If we only had a lantern!" another cried, frantically.
Several commenced calling Judd's name in the hope that he might hear and answer them.
"I can never go back to college after this!" Benz breathed,hysterically. "He's drowned and of course, I'll be blamed, … but no!No one can prove that I let him drop! We'll all be held to account;… Oh why,whydid I do it?"
* * * * *
It was one o'clock and still no signs of Judd. Cateye was growing anxious. He got up, slipped on a bathrobe, and hobbling over to a chair, sat by the window looking out upon the campus.
"Judd said that he and Benz had almost clashed. I wonder if something has happened to one or both?" Cateye shuddered nervously at the thought.
Suddenly he glimpsed a lone figure running swiftly across the campus, rapidly nearing the dormitory. It was so dark that Cateye could not make out who it was but the very fact that the person was running coupled with the time of night, signified that something unusual had happened.
Whoever it was, was climbing the stairs at a terrific rate. Cateye grasped his crutch and hobbled toward the door. As he did so the door flung open with a bang.
"Cateye!"
"Judd! … Why! You're soaked to the skin and blue with cold! What on earth has happened?"
"I reckon they tried to drown me," replied Judd, stepping in and closing the door. "But I fooled 'em! It was a narrow squeak though. If I hadn't struck a big rock I'd have gone over the falls!"
"But I thought you could swim, Judd?"
"Hump! Me swim? With my feet tied? Say, it was enough to keep my head above water in that current!"
"Your feet tied!" exclaimed Cateye, "You don't mean to tell me the fellows …!"
"Yep, … nope,… It was Benz! … Benz, that's who 'twas!" Judd was quite excited now and shivering with cold. He tried to remove his dripping shirt.
"Let me help you!" Cateye ripped the shirt off. "But surely Benz wouldn't do that! He wouldn't dare for one thing, … and he isn't quite a fool!"
"You'd hardly think it ofit, would you?" Judd grinned, water trickling down his forehead. "If I hadn't hit that rock….! Somehow I made a grab as I went by an' caught it. Then I hung for dear life with one hand an' untied my feet with the other. You know, Cateye, I always did grip pretty hard. But just the same I thought that current would rip my arm right off at the shoulder before I got my feet loose! After I'd got free I hung on for a few minutes more till the fellows went on down the river searchin' for me. Then I struck out for shore an' believe me, I hit the high spots comin' home!"
"And doesn't anyone know but what you're drowned?"
"Only you, … an' I!"
"Good! We'll teach the guys a lesson. Here, let me give you a good rub down. Darn this injured knee, anyhow. Just when a fellow needs help the most I can't be of much assistance. Now listen, you lay low when the bunch comes back. Get under the bed or somewhere. I'll pretend I don't know where you are. We'll teach them to play any more practical jokes!"
Judd grinned. "That 'ud kind of be turnin' the tables, eh?"
"Kind of, you bet! I hear somebody coming upstairs now! Take this alcohol bottle and rub yourself good to keep from catching cold. Get into the closet out of sight. Quick!"
Cateye waited until the footsteps reached the head of the stairs, then flung open the door and limped into the hall on his crutch. He met face to face with Benz.
"Rather late turning in, aren't you? Say, … do you know where Judd is? I'm getting rather anxious. It's two o'clock and after, … and he never kept very late hours!"
Benz's face was a pale white; his lips were trembling; he seemed near collapse.
"He's, … he's, … I think he's drowned!"
"What!" Cateye's concern was extremely realistic. "Drowned!"
"Shss!" warned Benz, glancing about nervously, "Don't wake the whole dorm! Step in your room here and I'll tell you the whole story."
Cateye backed in and sat down, turning on the light. Benz seated himself on the edge of the bed and clutched the bed sheets despairingly.
"Great heavens, man, don't keep me in suspense!" groaned Cateye, "Judd drowned! How'd it happen?"
"Well, …" began Benz, "It all came out of a little joke!"
"So it was one of your pranks, eh? Drowning a man!" Cateye's voice was hard and cruel.
"I didn't mean it, Cateye, honest! I mean, … the joke to go so far," Benz hastened to add, realizing that he had almost confessed. "We broke up a celebration the second team was having; captured Rube and McCabe and planned on giving 'em a good scare. So we carried 'em down to the bridge an' held Rube over the rail. I, … we never meant to drop him,honest, but, …"
"Why did you tie his feet?" As soon as Cateye asked the question he realized that he had pulled "a bone."
"Why did I? … Did I tell you that?" Benz asked, wild-eyed.
"You sure did!" insisted Cateye, seeing a way out.
"Well, … he put up such a fight we had to do something," explainedBenz, weepingly, "And I just said we never meant to drop him!"
"Is anybody down at the river now?"
"Yes, the whole bunch. They're going to keep up the search tillmorning. I sent Bartz down to Tarlton to see the sheriff and get help.We're goin' to drag the river for his body in the morning, …" HereBenz broke down completely.
Cateye heard Judd choking a laugh and realized he had to say something or the jig was up.
"And what are you doing here?" he demanded, savagely, "You, … you who are probably more to blame for this, … this murder than anyone else! Why aren't you out doing something to help recover his body?"
"I, … I, … oh Cateye, don't rub it in so! I couldn't stand it any longer. I had to come away. Oh, it's all a terrible nightmare to me. He can't be dead, … he must be alive! Let me go, … I've got to be by myself!"
Cateye did not try to restrain Benz. In fact he was mighty glad to have him go!
As soon as Benz had disappeared up the hall Judd stepped softly from the closet, the towel stuffed in his mouth, and fell upon the bed, shaking with laughter.
"How's that for real acting?" grinned Cateye.
"Gee, that's worth getting drowned to listen to!" howled Judd, "They're going to drag the river for me in the mornin'! Did you hear that? Well, … I wish 'em luck. I hope they find me. I reckon it's rather awkward for a ghost like me not to know where my body is, … floatin' around somewhere on the bottom of the river!"
"Shss! Judd, don't make so much noise! This will be the richest joke on Benz and the fellows for that matter, that ever came off. It'll teach Benz a lesson he'll never forget. You keep out of sight till after breakfast today. The whole college will know about it by that time!"
"Trust me, pal," assured Judd, "Most people can't see ghosts, anyhow!"
Benz, after breaking the news to Cateye, hurried to his room where he paced up and down for a whole hour, undecided as to what best to do. Finally, unable to stand the strain longer, he grabbed his cap and rushed from the dormitory. It was four A.M. and not yet light.
Ten minutes later the good Professor Windell, president of the college, was awakened by a loud thumping on his front door. He stumbled sleepily out of bed and opened the window.
"What's amiss here?" he called down.
"Rube!" gasped Benz, "Oh, Mister Windell, come down an' let me in, quick! I want to confess! I did it! It was all my fault!"
"Just a minute, young man!" Professor Windell was waking fast now. He jerked on his purple bathrobe and jumped his feet into some house slippers and made haste to escort poor Benz into the library.
"Have a chair. Now, compose yourself! What's the trouble?"
Benz did not appear to notice the proffered seat but strode nervously up and down the room.
"Rube's drowned!" he said, suddenly, and seemed to shudder at the very words.
"Drowned!" repeated the president, greatly shocked, "Drowned!"
"Yes, sir …" Benz pulled himself together with an effort, then began to explain as though it was a relief to get the matter off his mind. "You see the second team was havin' a celebration at the bend of the river last night because they beat the varsity. Well—I collected a bunch of fellows and we broke up the meeting. We caught Rube and McCabe an' we thought … er … er … that is, I thought I'd like to scare Rube. So, as I was leader, I ordered the guys to carry him down to the old bridge an' hold him over the rail."
"You!" broke in President Windell, excitedly.
"Yes,—me!" cried Benz, bound to make a clean breast of it. "I didn't mean to do what I did but for some reason I … I grabbed his feet an' … an' when we held him over the rail … I … I let go!"
"What!"
"I don't know why I did it, sir. We only meant to scare him. I never intended that we should drop him in. Honest, I didn't!" Benz's tone turned to pleading. "Oh, it'll just about finish my folks, Mister Windell. What shall I do? … WhatshallI do?"
President Windell was a highly strung, very excitable little man, well along in years. The sudden tragic news brought by Benz at such an early hour had done much to upset him.
"How do you know that Judd's actually drowned?" he asked, after a moment of serious deliberation.
"Why I … we've searched the river … as far as we could see he never even came up!" Benz answered, then added with conviction, "He's drowned all right!"
"But he could swim, couldn't he?" persisted the professor, hopefully."Perhaps he …"
"That's just it!" interrupted Benz, despairingly. "He might have had a good chance if he could … but you see … his feet were tied!"
"Feet tied!" President Windell laid a hand upon Benz and shook him. "See here—what were you young men up to? … That's not much short of murder!"
"I know … it sounds almost like it," admitted Benz.
"It's apt to go pretty hard with you," snapped the president, "Wait here until I go and dress. I want you to take me to where this happened. And while you're waiting, put in a call for the sheriff at Tarlton. He'll have to investigate anyway and the sooner he's on the job the better."
The professor disappeared upstairs. Benz hesitated a moment, his hands twitching nervously. Then he picked up the telephone and asked for long distance in a voice that faltered brokenly.
* * * * *
At breakfast that morning tense excitement reigned. News of the tragedy had just been spread broadcast and there were many vacant chairs. A great number of students had rushed for the river but a few of the calmer ones and those who loved their appetites above all else, answered the roll call and contented themselves in stowing away the usual number of pancakes.
Just as the meal was about over, Bartz staggered in, weak and exhausted. He had run many miles up and down the river bank in the hopes of discovering Judd—but a needle in a haystack might have been more readily found than Judd's corpse in a river bed.
A great crowd thronged about Bartz, asking him hundreds of different questions, excitedly. He made no attempt to answer them; in fact, his one desire seemed to be to get a bite to eat and steady his nerves. All he would say was: "Let me alone, fellows. I'm tired. Been up all night. No, we haven't found his body yet. Yes … the sheriff's placed us all under temporary arrest. He's got our names an' he's coming after the bunch of us and take us down to Tarlton for a hearing at nine o'clock this morning. Oh, they'll drag the river all day if they don't find him. Yes, we're going to wire his folks in a couple of hours. For heaven's sake, guys, let me be! I need a rest!"
A decided gloom prevailed over the college. Judd, although he had been called a rube had become a great favorite and very popular at Bartlett.
The students looked at Cateye, sympathetically, when he hobbled down to breakfast half an hour later. His face was red and his eyes, … yes, unmistakably swollen from excessive weeping. Cateye was met upon all sides with sincere words of sympathy and regret for the loss of his beloved room-mate. To all these declarations Cateye made the sober reply: "Thanks, fellows, thanks. Your grief and sympathy quite overwhelm me." Then, dabbing his face sadly with a handkerchief for effect, Cateye smothered many almost unsuppressible giggles. It was turning into such a rich joke! If no one discovered Judd before the time was set to bring him out, it would be great!
Judd, meanwhile, had remained within the close confinement of his room awaiting until the time was ripe to resurrect himself.
At eight o'clock President Windell suspended all morning classes and the entire college practically went into mourning. Benz, overcome with grief, confessed time and again his part in the tragedy wherever he could find an audience. Within another hour the sheriff came down from Tarlton and gravely proceeded to corral all the participants in the "foul murder." He had been newly appointed custodian of the law and was overly anxious to perform his duties well.
Almost the entire student body congregated on the campus shortly after nine o'clock, to witness the departure of the sheriff with those directly implicated in the plot.
"I can't tell yet what I'll do with ye!" the sheriff said, addressing the students under arrest. "But this here drownin' is a serious crime and, some of ye will have to pay for it! That's just the way with ye college sports anyhow. Always up to some thing and never satisfied till ye've committed some devilment. But ye'll pay for this, … mark my words, … and ye'll pay dear!"
Some students, including Pole and Potts, arrived at this moment. They had been helping drag the river but, despairing of recovering the body, had returned. A crowd surrounded them at once.
"What luck?"
"Find any trace of him?"
These and many more anxious questions were hurled at the weary searchers.
"We found his cap down by the bend in the river, that's all," responded Pole, sadly, passing the cap about for inspection. Then, noticing Benz in the throng: "Say, have they wired his folks yet?"
"… No."
"Well, that had better be attended to. They've got to know it sooner or later and we should notify them immediately."
"I'll see that a message is sent right away," replied Benz, brokenly.
At this juncture, Cateye, who had been watching from his window across the campus, decided that the time was ripe for Judd's resurrection. In fact the time was over-ripe. If Cateye had imagined what tremendous proportions the supposed drowning of Judd might assume he would never have devised the plan to cure Benz of his practical jokes.
"You'd better be taking that stroll right away, Judd," directed Cateye. "The sheriff's just about ready to depart with the bunch and it looks like every last student is out to bid farewell. Now do just as I told you and hurry or you'll be too late!"
Judd lost no time in descending the stairs and stepping quietly out of the dormitory. He stalked leisurely across the campus, passing several students on the way but they were so busy talking about the night's terrible happenings that they did not recognize him. In fact, Judd actually succeeded in mingling with the crowd, so intent were they all upon the departure of the sheriff and his prisoners. He took a position by the side of Benz, who was tearfully bidding good-bye. Judd, for the moment, was touched but remembering the many things Benz had done against him he thought the "cure" might do him good.
Of a sudden Benz chanced to turn and caught sight of Judd. At first he stared, wild-eyed, and in open-mouthed astonishment; then he recoiled from the terrific shock. He could not believe his eyes.
"Oh, fellows, help me! I'm seeing things!" Benz shrieked, covering his face with his hands and endeavoring to get away.
Everyone looked in Benz's direction and at the sight of Judd the greater portion of the crowd dispersed to a safe distance. Judd had come among them so quietly that the sight of him was a great shock.
Pole was the first to recover himself.
"Great guns, Rube!" he exclaimed, astounded. "I thought you were drowned!"
"Me! Drowned?" drolled Judd, slowly, "I should say not!"
"But where have you been all this time?" cried Potts.
Those who had sufficiently recovered, at least enough to believe their eyes, began gathering about joyfully.
"Up in my room," replied Judd, suppressing a yawn.
"How did you get out? Why didn't you let us know that you were o.k? What did you hold off so long for?" The questions were coming thick and fast.
"I didn't think about it and besides I was busy catching up sleep."
"Catching up sleep!"
"Yep,—I didn't get to bed last night till after one o'clock. And then, I got my clothes all wet and had to dry 'em out before I could appear in public again."
The joy of the students at having Judd restored to them as if from death itself, finally surpassed all bounds. They made a grand rush for the big, awkward youth and lifting him protestingly to their shoulders, they bore him once about the campus before releasing him, in this manner proclaiming the glad tidings.
The sheriff, disappointed at having his bid for prominence spoiled, still lingered about the students. At last he stepped up to Judd.
"Young man, do ye wish to swear out a warrant agin any of these rascals?"
"No, thanks," grinned Judd, "I reckon it isn't a very serious offence to duck a feller, is it?"
"Not very; but er,—er, attempted murder is different! Quite different!"
"You might give them each thirty days for a poor attempt," suggestedJudd.
The bunch laughed.
Judd turned to Pole, who stood holding his cap. "I'll thank you for my lid, Pole. It's the only sky piece I've got."
"Well, let's lift the crepe and postpone the funeral," urged Potts, "The corpse has decided to take on new life and the mourners are wearing glad rags again. Classes begin this afternoon at one P.M. as usual. This way out!"
The crowd broke up, joyfully.
One week more dragged slowly by; dragged because Cateye and Judd had been suspended for their antics in regard to the drowning incident. Benz escaped with only a severe reprimand. Cateye assumed the entire blame for the affair and sought to have his room-mate released, but President Windell declared: "One is as guilty as the other," and forced both boys to do penance.
The intended cure for Benz had been a splendid failure in more ways than one. True, Benz felt highly elated to know that Judd was not drowned but he also was indignant because Judd allowed the students to think him dead and let the affair gain such prominence. Since the incident Benz's popularity had decreased fully fifty percent. He was greeted with taunts and jeers and nicknamed, "The Impractical Joker." Life had grown exceedingly unpleasant. Benz avoided everyone that he could, imagining that the whole college was turned against him. He remained close within the seclusion of his room during idle moments; practiced football somewhat indifferently; scarcely ever opened his mouth except when it came time to eat; and above all things he kept out of Judd's sight. He was very thankful that Judd had been suspended. This kept the rube from football practice and Benz could again star against the seconds.
Poor, mis-used second team! The week following their disastrous celebration on the bank of the Pretty Falls River had been a trying one for them. Minus their best player, the varsity had gone at them with a vengeance, piling up top heavy scores in every scrimmage, until McCabe remarked one night after an unusually crushing defeat: "Fellows, I feel like Napoleon after the battle of Waterloo."
Cateye had hoped that this joke might prove an ending of hostilities between Benz and Judd but he now realized the foolhardiness of his plan and wished many times that he had never suggested it to Judd. The return joke on Benz had produced exactly the opposite effect than that desired. Besides, Judd had lost an entire week of valuable football practice and one week from tomorrow, upon Thanksgiving day, came the great game with Pennington!
The contest this year meant more than formerly. The two colleges were not only intense rivals but neither had been defeated throughout the present season. Reports from Pennington claimed the strongest eleven in the history of the college. Why, Pennington had defeated the State University, 9 to 0, a short time ago, which victory rightfully gave her the title of State Champion!
Bartlett supporters in turn, heralded their eleven as the greatest bunch of warriors ever gotten together. But, although the students were loyal to the core, deep down in their hearts they doubted whether Bartlett even so much as had a chance against Pennington this year. Pennington, claimants of the State Championship by virtue of their victory over the State University, a heretofore unheard of exploit! Pennington, the rival college, which had not only defeated some of the same teams played by Bartlett but had even doubled and in one case tripled the scores! On paper the Pennington team seemed much the stronger eleven but despite this fact everyone at Bartlett was looking eagerly forward to the day when the unbeaten colleges would clash.
Thursday morning, one week before the big game, Pole rushed jubilantly into Cateye's room.
"Hurrah! Your suspensions are raised!" he cried.
"What's that?" Cateye and Judd shouted, jumping to their feet.
"That's what!" rejoiced Pole. "Gee, that's great news! I just heard about it a minute ago."
"You bet it's great news! Whoopee, Judd, that means football practice again to-night!"
Cateye began to dance a Highland fling of his own invention. "And my injured knee is practically well now. Maybe I won't be able to hit that old line, huh?"
Judd and Pole winked at each other.
"The silly boy," grinned Judd.
"The news has upset him," laughed Pole.
The appearance of Judd and Cateye upon the gridiron that afternoon was the signal for a great ovation. The members of the second team crowded about their idol, Judd, and immediately began plotting the destruction of the "beloved" varsity. Cateye, meanwhile, was kept busy answering greetings from his old team-mates.
"Hello, Cateye, how's that knee of yours?" It was Neil, quarterback, speaking.
"Fine!" responded Cateye, adjusting his shoulder pads.
"That's good. I sure am glad to see you back. Between you and me, Cateye, left guard has been the weak spot on our team since you were laid up. Besides, Benz hasn't been playing up to standard and although we've been trimming the seconds we haven't got that old fighting spirit. The boys are due to recover their form to-day."
"Everybody out!" ordered Coach Phillips. The players trotted from the locker room onto the field.
"Billings, you take right guard on the seconds and Cateye, your old position at left guard on the varsity. We'll have fifteen minutes of signal practice and a thirty minute's scrimmage. Lively now!"
Practice that afternoon did go off better. Benz played with a vengeance, eager to out do any play that Judd might make, and he was successful in tearing off several long gains; through Judd's position too! Benz was elated.
The explanation was quite simple. Judd, assigned the position of right guard found that he was pitted directly against Cateye who played left guard for the varsity. Rather than show up his room-mate Judd made half-hearted attempts to stem the varsity's advance, and the seconds, losing some of their confidence in Judd's stonewall defence, allowed the varsity to score almost at will.
A hundred or so onlookers, enthused by the varsity's exceptional showing, shouted, "Oh you Pennington!" until their voices were hoarse.
It was a badly bruised and dejected second team that crawled off the field after scrimmage was over following one of the worst trouncings that they had ever experienced. The varsity, upon the other hand, was bubbling over with pep and renewed confidence.
"Guess we've found our stride again!" cried Benz, almost the first cheerful words he had uttered in a week.
"Found our stride!" ejaculated Pole, "Why man, we're away ahead of our stride."
"Don't get too cocky over that showing," warned Bartz, inclined to be cautious. "Even the best of 'em fall, you know."
"Bartz is right," spoke up Neil, "In order to keep our record clean up to the Pennington game we've got to wallop Paulson this coming Saturday. And that'll be a hard game too. We can't expect to loaf and win. We've got to be in the fight every minute!"
"We'll be there, kid!" grunted the big Oole.
Judd and Cateye walked back to the dormitory together. Cateye, for some reason that Judd could not understand, was not very talkative.
"The varsity sure did rip us seconds up to-day," began Judd, for the nth time, trying to get an answer from his room-mate.
Cateye unlocked the door to his room, stepped in, and swung about, facing Judd.
"Judd, what did you do that for?" he questioned, softly.
"Do what?" rejoined Judd, evasively.
"True, you didn't do anything in scrimmage to-day," admitted Cateye,"But I know the reason why."
"That's easy, I haven't played for over a week," retorted Judd, "I'll tell you it takes practice to—."
"Nonsense, Judd! A kid could have played as well as you did this afternoon. Don't try to bluff me; I know you too well. If you'd have played any other position on that team you'd have been a living cyclone, but just because Coach Phillips put you in against me you laid down!"
"It isn't so!" protested Judd, weakly.
"It is so!" persisted Cateye, "And what's more, if we have the same positions to-morrow and you play that way I'll go to the coach about it!"
"Well,—s'pose it is so," surrendered Judd, "No man on earth can make me go back on my room-mate—."
"Judd, you don't look at things in the right light," argued Cateye. "I know that you're true blue to me and all that but you're not true to your college,—your team."
"Why not?" demanded Judd, kicking at a rug.
"Because, you are not giving your team the best that is in you! Some time ago you sacrificed a chance to play on the first team because you would not accept my position. To-day, by your miserable playing, you lowered yourself in the coach's estimation and undoubtedly made me look good. But you know, andIknow, Judd that there are few football men who could hold that line against you if you cared to get through. It is your duty to play your best regardless of circumstances."
"I think more of my friends than any old football team in the country," mumbled Judd, stubbornly. "There's no use talking, Cateye, I'll lay down, every time he pits me against you."
Luckily Judd was shifted to right tackle the following afternoon and a chance for further trouble was averted. The varsity was not quite as successful as on the previous day and it took a hard fight to drub the seconds in a short scrimmage.
The next day, Saturday, Bartlett met and defeated Paulson, 20 to 7, thus keeping her record clean for the entire season up to the final game. The high class of football that the little college displayed in besting Paulson, a team touted to be her equal, gladdened the hearts of every Bartlett rooter. The spirits of all were now fairly on edge for the coming contest with Pennington, just five days away. Some even conceded Bartlett an equal chance but when respective records were compared the skeptics shook their heads. Although both teams had clean slates as to victories, Pennington had played against some stronger teams than Bartlett and seemed to possess a much greater scoring machine.
Cateye had only played in one quarter of the Paulson game. Coach Phillips was saving him for the big fray and taking no risks of his knee giving out. Judd watched the game from the bench.
Monday afternoon marked the last day of scrimmage for the varsity. Coach Phillips had decided to spend the remaining two days at secret signal practice. Consequently the college turned out almost to a man to watch their idol pigskin chasers maul the scrubs as a final demonstration of their ability to whip Pennington. Inspired by the wild cheers of the student body and the realization that the season's biggest game was only two days distant, the varsity fairly outdid itself.
But the faithful second team was resolved to make the varsity earn every touchdown that they secured and fought fiercely to stop each play. For fifteen minutes the battered seconds withstood the onslaught and actually succeeded in pushing across a touchdown themselves. After this the game became a rout and finally ended in a 56 to 7 score. Both elevens left the field, physically fit and in good spirits, but dead tired.
"Whew!" gasped Benz, throwing a shoe the length of the locker room, "Talk about marathon races! I'll bet I ran ten or twenty miles up and down the field scoring touchdowns."
"Great snakes! Did you hear that, guys?" broke in Knox, a second string man, "The swelled head only scored two touchdowns himself and yet he runs ten or twenty miles! What were you doing, Benz, playing solitaire?"
"Never you mind," retorted Benz, amid laughter; then, seeing a way out: "Possibly, Knox, you have never heard of Miles Standish. That's the kind of Miles I run."
"Zowie!"
"Take him out!"
"Stow it!"
"As bright as mud!"
"Call a doctor!"
"A cold shower for that!" shouted Neil, "That stuff is too deep for we'uns!"
A dozen hands seized the unwilling Benz and thrust him cruelly under a cold, cold shower.
"B-r-r-r-r-r! Let me out!" sputtered Benz, making a tremendous struggle. "I don't mind the cold but that water is wet!"
"A double dose for that!" howled Pole, and Benz was forced to submit to another flood of H2O. He was finally released and took his punishment good naturedly. The fun went on, first one, and then the other of the fellows being made the object for humorous attack.
Of a sudden the locker door opened and Coach Phillips stepped in.Instantly all laughing and talking ceased. Fellows in half-dressedattitudes hesitated before proceeding. It was evident by the look onCoach Phillips' face that he had something important to say.
"Any of the fellows left yet?"
"No!"
"Good!" snapped the coach. "I have a little something that I want to say to you all before you go. I—"
"Ouch! Have a heart!" Benz had unwittingly slapped Pole across the small of the back with a wet bath towel. A titter of laughter went up.
"Benz, stop that fooling and pay attention!" Coach Phillips' voice was unusually hard and penetrating.
"Fun is all right in its place," continued the coach, "I'm glad to see you fellows light-hearted and care free. That is usually a good sign before a game. But too much of this sort of business will have a disastrous effect. Such mental attitudes breed self confidence. Self confidence breeds listlessness; and listlessness spells defeat. Now don't misunderstand me. I want you to have a certain amount of confidence, in yourselves, in the team. But beware of over-confidence! Over-confidence will do more than misplays or anything else to bring defeat. Just because we have gone through the season thus far unbeaten, don't for one moment imagine that we are invincible. In order to win Thursday it will take all the skill, strength, and endurance that you fellows have! From now on until the big game is over I want every fellow on the varsity to forget his studies. There is no occasion to look astonished, (as several players gasped). It is a new procedure at Bartlett, I know, but I believe a wise one. You have all worked hard and kept up in your marks throughout the entire season. Now I want complete relaxation. Don't look at a class book. Work hard in football practice and memorize those plays so well that there is not a possibility of mistake. Forget about the game. Get plenty of sleep the next two nights. Take good care of yourselves. When you trot on the field Thanksgiving day I expect to see the best physically and mentally fit team that Bartlett college has ever turned out. Remember, it is not only brawn but brains that wins games now-a-days and you fellows must be in the fight with minds and bodies every minute!"
"Yea!"
"I wish to thank every member of the second team for the loyal manner in which you have come out night after night in order to make a good first team possible," went on Coach Phillips, ignoring the show of enthusiasm. "I am sure that you will all feel amply repaid if your efforts will have made the varsity victorious in the coming big game. Just as a great army depends upon those left behind to properly feed and clothe it, so does a varsity football team depend upon its second team to keep it at its playing strength and build it up through scrimmage. A good first team can hardly ever be attained without a good second team. The fact that we have had an exceptionally fine second team this year has been largely responsible for the success of the varsity.
"I have already talked longer and said more than I at first intended. The second team's work is done for the year but the varsity's hardest work is yet to come. I want all of you varsity men to report for signal practice to-morrow at two P. M. All of you may go now except Judd Billings and McCabe of the seconds."
The fellows filed noisily out of the locker room leaving the wonderingJudd and the elated McCabe to interview Coach Phillips.
"What have I done now?" demanded Judd of McCabe, when he was ordered to remain.
"Don't you know, you rube!" hissed McCabe, joyfully, in his ear."We're promoted!"
"Promoted?"
"Yes,—unless I miss my guess he's going to tell us to report for practice with the varsity!"
"That would be kind of nice, wouldn't it?" replied Judd, trying to conceal his joy at the very thought.
Coach Phillips closed the locker door and came up, facing the two eager youths.
"Both of you report for signal practice with the varsity to-morrow. It is possible that you may get into the game Thursday, for a short time at least. Remember what I told the rest about keeping in condition and not studying until the game is over. McCabe, come to my room to-night at seven. I want you to get the signals well in mind and especially some new plays. That is all."
The coach turned abruptly and left the locker room.
McCabe and Judd stood eyeing each other, the news seeming too good to be true. Finally McCabe broke the trance by running across and thumping Judd joyfully.
"What did I tell you?" he shouted, "And it's my first chance in four years!"
Wednesday night, the eve of the coming contest with the mighty Pennington eleven, found Bartlett college in a state of wild confusion and excitement. The campus was lined with students and returning alumni, some of the latter having come hundreds of miles just to see the unbeaten elevens clash.
News from the village of Tarlton announced every hotel and place of accommodation to be over-crowded with visitors, friends, relatives, and alumni, waiting for the morrow.
A delegation of students had been busy all day collecting empty dry goods boxes, odd pieces of wood, limbs of trees, and what not for the creating of a large bonfire should Bartlett be victorious. All this refuse was concealed behind one of the dormitories ready to be dragged out and placed in the center of the campus pending a successful termination of the game.
Judd and Cateye watched the throngs jostling back and forth across the campus from their window in the dormitory. The football men had been given strict orders not to mingle with the crowd and to retire early. The two chums felt rather awed by the spirit of the occasion and the significance of the morrow. For a long time they sat side by side listening to the college yells and songs drifting up to them from below. Although a veteran football man, Cateye was deeply affected by the display of enthusiasm and college spirit.
"What a wonderful thing it all is," he found himself musing aloud.
"What all is?" inquired Judd.
"Why,—this college spirit."
"Hump!" breathed Judd, lightly, "I thought you was talkin' about some patent medicine."
The careless reply and Judd's former actions caused Cateye to wonder if college spirit really meant anything to the rube. Cateye knew Judd to be intensely loyal to his friends and wished that his chum might show that same sense of loyalty to his college or team.
After a fifteen minute silence Judd began to show signs of restlessness which Cateye wrongly interpreted.
"Nervous?" he asked, softly, throwing an arm about his chum's brawny shoulders.
"Naw!" growled Judd, disgustedly, "Just anxious for fear I won't get a chance to play tomorrow."
The singing and yelling did not cease until after eleven o'clock but two hours before this time Coach Phillips made sure that every football man was snugly stowed away in bed. Judd dropped off to sleep immediately upon retiring, but nothing short of chloroform could have caused Cateye to lose consciousness while the din kept up. His mind was too occupied with the trend of coming events.
As the last song was sung and the last yell was yelled Cateye delved into the mysteries of slumberland.
For two hours his rest was undisturbed. But after this came more interruptions. Cateye awoke with a start. The same sort of chill crept up his spine as on the night of Judd's arrival. This time, however, Cateye sensed at once just what had produced the sensation. Judd was talking in his sleep again. It was his first offense since that memorable night so long ago.
"Gimme that ball! … No, I'm not hurt! Jes' gimme the ball an' I'll take her across! … Signals over! That's it! My number. Look out, there!"
The talking stopped and Judd began to grind his teeth, an unpleasant sound, especially at night. This was too much for Cateye. He bounded out of bed and switched on the light. At the same moment Judd came out of his nightmare by emitting a loud groan and kicking the bed free of covers.
"What's the matter?" gasped Cateye.
"Oh, nothin'," grinned Judd, sleepily, "I only made a touchdown."
Cateye crawled back into bed, shivering from the aftermath. Judd soon began to snore regularly showing what little effect the scoring of a touchdown had upon him. After listening to the hoarse rumble for a few minutes Cateye buried his head in a pillow and muttered to himself: "Oh, for a maxim silencer!" Despite the snores he soon fell asleep and did not awaken until late Thanksgiving morning.
By noon of the eventful day an enormous crowd of people had gathered, representing loyal rooters and supporters of the respective colleges, Bartlett and Pennington, as well as those impartial to either team, who were attracted for sheer love of the game itself.
The college grounds shone with bobbing pennants and colors; the Red and Blue of Pennington; the Black and Gold of Bartlett. Outside the gate to the gridiron at one o'clock a great throng of football enthusiasts clamored for entrance.
One half hour later a special train, carrying the rival eleven, Pennington; a band, and five hundred rooters, pulled in. As the Penningtonites leaped off the train dressed in full football garb; red and blue jerseys, Indian blankets of the same color design and striped hosiery, they received a tremendous ovation from the assembled crowd.
Led by their college band the football warriors paraded to the gridiron followed by a wild column of Pennington rooters, each waving a red and blue pennant. The sight was very impressive and thrilling.
When, at exactly two-twenty, the Pennington eleven trotted, unheralded, onto the field and, tossing off their blue Indian blankets, began to run through some snappy signal work, from the Pennington stands a mass of red and blue rose and fell in perfect rhythm to the tune of "The Warrior," Pennington's football song.
The Bartlett rooters in the stands directly across the field tried their best to defeat the demonstration being made by Pennington, combining the efforts of band and cheer leaders in order to do so, but the momentary enthusiasm of the visiting college at sight of their splendid eleven, for a time, eclipsed all attempts to drown them out.
In the locker room sixteen Bartlett team-mates, primed for battle, heard the roar that swept across the field as the Pennington eleven swooped upon the gridiron. Benz, pulling his shoulder pads in place, strode about the room, nervous and anxious for the fray to begin. Other players showed signs of uneasiness. Judd was the only one on the team who seemed perfectly calm. As the din was at its height he turned to Pole, who had laced and unlaced his shoe three times for no reason whatever, and remarked quietly: "A noisy bunch, aren't they?"
At this moment Coach Phillips entered. He had been watching the enemy eleven as they ran through light signal practice before the frenzied crowd.
A few of the players gathered in a semi-circle about him, arms thrown over each other's shoulders. Some were laboriously rubbing resin into their hands to insure against fumbling the ball. Others, a little affected by the mighty demonstration going on from without, paced restlessly up and down.
"It's going to be a real battle to-day," warned the coach. "Pennington has a wonderful aggregration. Their defeat of the State University some weeks ago gives them the highest rating of any team in this part of the country. A victory to-day puts Bartlett on the football map as never before. And in order to win we must fight, fight, fight, every second of the sixty minutes!
"Pennington has been depending largely this season upon the great work of Gordon, fullback. He is a giant, six feet tall, weight two hundred and fourteen pounds, and fast on his feet. He is the man you must stop! Pennington has won every game this year in the first half. They use this Gordon as a human battering ram, breaking up the opposing line and making victory easy. No eleven this season had been able to check his advances!
"Stop their slashing attack the first half, fellows, and you'll win the game. The reason General Grant was so successful in his campaigns was that he did not realize when he was defeated. He advanced despite his defeats. That's the spirit I want you fellows to show! If you fail to gain ground in one attempt put just that much more strength into the next attempt. Game starts in ten minutes, fellows, so you'd better be getting out on the field. Benz, remember to hit that line lower. Neil, call your signals fast and snappy. Keep the team up and at 'em. You linemen, the fate of to-day's game is largely up to you. You must shoulder the brunt of the work and shatter the Pennington attack. The men who will start to-day's game are,—"
Sixteen heads bobbed suddenly up and sixteen pairs of entreating eyes focused themselves upon the coach.
"Left end, Bartz; left tackle, Oole; left guard, Frey; center, Williams; right guard, McKean; right tackle, Potts; right end, Pole; quarterback, Neil; left half, Gary; right half, Patterson; fullback, Hoffmaster. Now, out of here, every one of you! Show lots of pep and don't let that crowd bother you! You have played in front of big crowds before and won. Do it today!"