to take him out. On the
second's twenty yards Neil was given a chance at a goal from placement,
and, in spite of his right shoulder, and to the delight of the coaches,
sent the leather over the bar. When he turned and trotted back up the
field he almost ran over Sydney, who was hobbling blithely about the
gridiron on his crutches.

"Whoa!" cried Neil. "Back up! Hello, Board of Strategy; how do you find
yourself?"

"That was fine, Neil," said Sydney.

"What?"

"That goal."

"Glad you liked it. I was beastly nervous," he laughed. "Had no idea I
could do it. It's so different trying goals in a game; when you're just
off practising it doesn't seem to bother you."

"Oh, you'll do. Gale is growling like a bear because they took him out."

"Is he?" asked Neil. "I'm sorry. Do you know whether he stands a good
show for the game? Have you heard Mills or Devoe say anything about it?"
Sydney shook his head.

"I'm afraid Gillam's got us both boxed," continued Neil. "As for me, I
suppose they'll let me in because I can sometimes kick a goal, but I'm
worried about Paul. If he'd only--Farewell, they are lining up again."

"I don't believe Gale will get into the Robinson game," thought Sydney
as he took himself toward the side-line. "He seems a good player,
but--but you never can tell what he's going to do; half the time he just
sort of slops around and looks as though he was doing a favor by
playing. I can't see why Neil likes him so well; I suppose it's because
he's so different. Maybe he's a better sort when you know him
real well."

After practise was ended and the riotous half-hour in the locker-house
was over, Neil found himself walking back to the campus with Sydney and
Paul. Paul entertained a half-contemptuous liking for Sydney. To Neil he
called him "the crip," but when in Sydney's presence was careful never
to say anything to wound the boy's feelings--an act of consideration
rather remarkable for Paul, who, while really kind at heart, was
oftentimes careless about the sensibilities of others. This afternoon
Paul was evidently downcast, too downcast to be even cross.

"Well, I guess it's all up with me," he said as they passed through the
gate and started down Williams Street toward college. "I'm glad you're
back, chum, but I can see my finish."

"Nonsense," said Neil, "you'll be back to-morrow. Gillam is putting up a
star game, and that's a fact; but your weight will help you, and if you
buckle down for the n