The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1896-10-18

not a cad, Hicks. and don't intend TO
be mean, but I'm examining just as hard
as 1 can, and / don't feel sure OF getting
through myself"
Il always said you'd crawl out Of a
thins through q knot-holo but / didn't
think you'd act like that" Hicks was
sneering. and his sullen temper was up.
80 you don't propose TO stand in at all?"
Il haven't the time. said Glare, con-
trolling his anger. and / can't do it,"
The captain was about 10 reply when
Merrills tutor entered. Putting on his
hat Hicks left the house.
The weeks that followed brought
busy time. Not only were the boys
"cramming' for the fateful cxamina-
tons, but the football team was I'm daily
practice for the annual game against the
graduating class OF the high school. TITS
year the contest was 10 be the hottest
ever waged, for the fellows who COM
posed the rival eleven were unusually
large and strong. Clare was performing
prodigies Of labor both in the field and
the garnet. not 10 mention extra efforts
with his Latin and q dozen other studies.
On the team were several substitutes.
who hoped 10 get a chance 10 play when
the time would come, but ALL except .
short, stout youth named Butts, were a
little weak and unreliable.
Hicks had shown in many a mean.
unworthy way. that he harDOred a feel
ing of resentment against young Merrill.
When examinations came at last, and
Clare went through. this sullen feeling
increased Hicks not only "huked' in
algebra. but he fell fiat on three or four
other studies as well. 'I'll get even with
you" he muttercd at Clare as he saw
1 ...fg g..
well 20 the school.
The day of the game was beautiful
and the ground was I'm perfect condition.
At the further end the High school team
came gayly I'm. yelling their yell" while
out Of the Threats Of the boys Of the
Grammar school poured "a like torrent Of
WhOops. The teams re evenly match
cd-bg. stout young players lining up IL
each: shouts of approval came from over
a thousand friends and enthusiastic adj
mrcrs-of the sport.
"Now" muttorcd Captain Hicks. as he
joined his team, my time has come.
Then he said aloud. From the practice
game last night. I've decided that Butts
shall play in Mcrrill's place, Merrill 10
hold himself ready
4 silence Tell on the team, and the
face of Clare grew white with indiena-
ton ana disappointment. lie recognized
the revenge behind this action. \ muir
muir Of inquiry and doubt went through
the bunch OF armored boys but the cap
tain, sharply issuing his final instruc-
tions. moved IBIS men lcross the ground
TO the centre of the field.
with a sinking heart, but with a stern
set face that should never betray his
feelings Clara took % seat with the other
substitutes 10 watch. lie could hardly
rcpress the pang OF jealousy that came
when be saw the rcfcrcc-a well-knowu
half-back Of the famous team Of Yale
40 up and nod and smile az all the cN-
cited boys. Tie had dreamed of playing
with his mates. hc had dreamed OF tri-
umph and Of victory. but now he was
ready to cry with anger and mortihca-
ton.
They've won the toss,' a comrado ox-
claimed Looking up. Clare saw that the
High School team had taken the choice
of goals lie was almost tempted 10 re-
joicc. yet his heart was loyal ne wanto1
his team to win. even without him and
under the captaincy Of Hicks.
A hum Of excitement announced that
the bah was IN play. With cold and
steely eyes Merrill watched the game. II
started slowly. but the speed increased.
for the High School boys were rushing
things fin a wholly unexpected manner.
"Ohr' cried Clare as he saw a place
where he thought he could have done a
handsome stroke: and "Oh," again. as
the enemy charging. tackiing and guard
ing not only perverted the balls adj
vance into their territory. but actually
forced IT, yard by yard. toward the goal
OF the Grammar team. His fists were
clinchod. his muscles tense. he could
hardly restrain himself. so great was his
desire 10 mingle in the battling throng.
All this time Captain Hicks was per-
forming wonders Of strength and endur-
ance as left end, but the captain OF the
High School team was q fellow OF brains.
who constantly outgeneraled his foe.
The moments few as the struggle waSea
fierce and hot.
on went the ball toward the goal line.
and Clare was wild with anxiety. Moth
ing. he thought but the call Of time.
could save a touchdown. Suddenly. by
n most confusing feint, the full-back.
who was the largest PLAYER on the liifh
School team. tore through the line. over
threw Butts. and Owed headlong over the
coal line. In less. than n minute aftc>
the touchdown n goal was kicked. and
the whistle Of "time' had sounded.
The score for the first half was 10 O.
I'm favor OF the High School. ~roan Went
IN. amid loud hurrahs for the victors.
Then between two fellows Butts came
limning of the field. his ankle slightly
spraincd and swelling badly.
Captain Hicks was furious. lie knew
that he had made a blulder In keeping