above all this he saw Knapp, running free,
with the ball tucked under his arm!

And Knapp saw Judd, the only obstacle between him and a touchdown.
Seven yards to go! Time almost up! Knapp ran straight at Judd; then
as the rube dove for a tackle, he jumped clear.

Pennington gave a lusty cheer,--then a groan of dismay, for Judd had
rolled quickly over and made a frantic grab at the flying feet as they
passed him. His right hand came in contact with Knapp's right ankle
and closed over it like a vice. Knapp fell his full length prone upon
the ground. Such a cheer as went up from the Bartlett stands!
Everyone was on their feet lauding Judd. And just then the whistle
blew calling time for the first half.

It was a much different team that left the field after that last two
minutes of play. A new spirit now prevailed. Although woefully
battered, out-generaled, and outplayed, beaten by a 13 to 0 score,
Judd's presence had produced the tonic which revived their spirits and
restored the punch which had been sadly lacking.

Benz and Neil escorted Judd to the sidelines whispering happily in his
ears.

"You stopped 'em, old fellow! You saved another touchdown! Great
stuff! Just wait until next half!"

"Say!" exploded Judd, ignoring the praise, "That little sucker is a
spry one, isn't he? A shoe-string more an' I'd never have caught him!"

CHAPTER XVIII

THE SECOND HALF

Bob rushed out and greeted Judd before he reached the sidelines.

"Fine work, old man! You're a wonder! I knew you would be if they
ever gave you a chance. Why, say, it was worth coming a hundred miles
just to see those two plays! Shake hands, Buddy. You don't know how
glad I am to see you. Hold on, what's this,--blood?"

"Yep," grinned Judd, gazing a bit ruefully at his right hand which was
swollen and bleeding. "That big jumbo Gordon put his foot on it."

"Here, let me fix it for you." Bob hunted up some tape and bandages.

Judd sat down in the circle of football men. Coach Phillips had a kind
word for every man. He praised Judd especially for his great work
during the last two minutes of the first half. The rube's face glowed
with pleasure. For the first time he was beginning to feel the college
spirit and a great ambition surged up within him for Bartlett to win
the game. But the word which gave him deepest satisfaction and fired
him with determination came from Cateye.

"I'm proud of you, pal. Remember--you're fi