s, always; there's no long passing done;
except, of course, for a kick. Being right up to the line when play
begins it only takes you a fraction of a second to hit it; and then, if
the hole's there you're through before the other side has opened their
eyes. Of course, it all depends on speed and the ability of the line-men
to make holes. You've got to be on your toes, and you've got to get off
them like a streak of lightning."

"Well, maybe it's all right," said Neil doubtfully, "but it looks like
a mix-up. Who gets the ball in this play here?"

"Right half. Left half plunges through between left-guard and center to
make a diversion. Full-back goes through between left tackle and end
ahead of right half, who carries the ball. Quarter follows. Of course
the play can be made around end instead. What do you think of it?"

"All right; but--I think I'd ought to have the ball."

"You would when the play went to the right," laughed Sydney. "The fact
is, I--this particular play hasn't been used. I sort of got it up
myself. I don't know whether it would be any good. I sometimes try my
hand at inventing plays, just for fun, you know."

"Really?" exclaimed Neil. "Well, you are smart. I could no more draw all
those nice little cakes and pies and things than I could fly. And it--it
looks plausible, I think. But I'm no authority on this sort of thing.
Are you going to show it to Devoe?"

"Oh, no; I dare say it's no use. It may be as old as the hills; I
suppose it is. It's hard to find anything new nowadays in
football plays."

"But you don't know," said Neil. "Maybe it's a good thing. I'll tell
you, Syd, you let me have this, and I'll show it to Mills."

"Oh, I'd rather not," protested Sydney, reddening. "Of course it
doesn't amount to anything; I dare say he's thought of it long ago."

"But maybe he hasn't," Neil persuaded. "Come, let me show it to him,
like a good chap."

"Well--But couldn't you let him think you did it?"

"No; I'd be up a tree if he asked me to explain it. But don't you be
afraid of Mills; he's a fine chap. Come and see me to-morrow night,
will you?"

Sydney agreed, and, arising, swung himself across the study to where his
coat and cap lay.

"By the way," he asked, "where's Paul to-night?"

"He's calling on Cowan," answered Neil.

Sydney looked as though he wanted to say something and didn't dare.
Finally he found courage.

"I should think he'd stay in his room now that you're laid up," he said