the reasons behind Mack's return to the
Varsity.

"I'll bet this action was taken simply to reduce the feeling between
the two colleges," ventured a Grinnell supporter. "There have been
enough ugly reports surrounding this game and the authorities probably
got together, figuring they'd quiet a lot of wild rumors and unfounded
stories. But you can't tell me--where there was so much smoke--that
there isn't plenty of fire!"

And this opinion seemed to be shared by most of the thousands who
jammed the stadium for the game. It was a clear, cold day with a dry,
hard field destined to provide a fair test of the strength of both
elevens.

In the locker room, as Grinnell players dressed for the game, Mack
Carver was approached by team members who expressed their confidence in
him. Mack, while he tried not to show it, was highly nervous and ill
at ease. There was now every reason to believe that he would see
service in the game since Dave's knee had not responded to treatment
and since Coach Edward would probably feel that his playing at least
part of the contest would prove to Pomeroy that no grudge or suspicion
remained.

"If I'm put in I've got to play a bang-up game," Mack told himself, "or
I'll be open to criticism again. I can't afford to make any slips."

Dave Morgan, hobbling in on crutches, had encouraging words to say.

"You're in a tough spot, I know," he sympathized. "But just forget
you're related to Coach Carver and go out there to play a game of
football. If you tear in there the way you did when you got started
against me--you won't have to worry."

"Thanks," said Mack, gratefully. "You're a peach!"

"Don't kid yourself," grinned Dave. "I didn't throw this knee out to
give you your chance!"

Mack's eyes clouded. "No, Dave--you've done more than that. You've
shown me what real spirit was. I've been so wound up in myself that I
couldn't feel it before. I feel it now, though ... and I only hope I
can play good enough so your loss won't be felt too badly."

Dave patted him on the back. "I'll be pulling for you, boy!"

A buzz of excitement went through the crowded stands as the Pomeroy and
Grinnell elevens lined up for kick-off and the player numbered "26" in
Grinnell's backfield was pointed out to be Mack Carver. Pomeroy was
kicking to Grinnell.

"The highly exploited brother act is about to be put on!" cried a fan.
"We'll soon see what a brother player can do against a brother coach.
I