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After the game, Coach Murray announced the probable line-up of the team for the Jefferson contest. There were no surprises. Neil Durant, Ned Stillson and Teeny-bits were to play in the back-field with Dean, the regular quarter-back. That week-end Tracey Campbell went home to the "mansion" on the hillock. After the game with Dale he approached Neil Durant and invited the captain to be his guest.
He and Andy Miller, the latter trailing a grey blanket after him, joined the third squad when the first team and substitutes had trotted away to the gymnasium and at once displayed a flattering but embarrassing interest. The Third was practising signals, eleven men in the line-up and two or three more following and watching.
Down settled the soaring ball into the arms of Kingdon, who tucked it under his arm and started with it toward the distant goal. But eight yards was all he found ere a Yates forward crashed down upon him. Then came a quick line-up on Harwell's forty yards, and first Prince, then Kingdon, then Blair was put through the line, each for a small gain, and the Harwell benches shouted their triumph.
This was the line-up that he saw: "Why isn't Edgeworth in center?" asked Dave, glancing down over Dick's shoulder. "Played down a bit too fine to hold center in a big game like this," Dick answered. "Edgeworth is a corking center, and I wouldn't be afraid to see him there today. But Ben Badger is every bit as good." Coach Morton drew in his breath sharply.
As he went he gave Andy a look, as much as to say: "You win this time; but the battle isn't over. I'll get you yet." As for Andy, his revenge had been greater than he had hoped. He had put his enemy out of the game more effectively than if he had knocked the breath from him by a tremendous tackle. "Good tackle, Blair!" called the scrub captain to him, as the line-up formed again.
Both were in superb fettle and ready to present their strongest line-up, and when they tumbled out on the field, amid frantic roars of greeting, there seemed nothing to choose between them. The preliminary practice was sharp and snappy. The crisp tang of the air was a tonic to which all responded, and the inspiration of the huge crowds spurred them on to do their prettiest.
He was going to forego a sight of his dog in order to be early on the ground. He would see the practice and thrill to the first line-up. He had lived over and over that supreme moment when the umpire sweeps the plate with a stubby broom and adjusts his mask. The correct coat was buttoned and the hat was being adjusted when the door of the inner office opened with a sharp rattle.
If you're going to be captain to-day you'll be captain in earnest. I'll hamper you neither with advice nor orders." With so important a player as Dick Prescott out of the team Dave had a hard task in rearranging the eleven. In this he sought direction from Mr. Morton. Rapidly they sketched the new line-up. Darrin himself would have to drop quarterback and go to center.
Next day's practise, in preparation for Erskine's last game before the Robinson contest, proved Paul's fears far from groundless. Gillam, Neil, and Mason started work when the line-up was formed, and Paul looked on heart-brokenly from the bench.
Hardly, however, had the two teams been started in a new line-up when the time keeper did his trick. The game was over. That last kick had failed, but who cared? The score was eleven to two! Ere the players could escape from the field the Gridley boosters were over on the gridiron. Dick and Dave were bodily carried to dressing quarters.
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