Democratic messenger., 1908-12-12


Though 1t was only an hour before
the great football game between Clin-
ton and Darnall. their conversation
was not of the gridlrOn as they walked
down Main street bound for Clinton
oval
"rhere's only one thing that keeps
me from becoming engaged to you
right now. Thornton" said the girl
after serious pause.
You'll have 10 tell me. Leta;
can't guess it, answered the stalwart
quarterback Of the Clinton eleven.
Just this" she said. Il am not alto
gether sure that you really need me
In your life You are strong, self
reliant boy. capable Of fighting your
own way over the obstacles that Will
confront you.
More than all else put together.
want to know that without my en-
couragemcnt you would be accom-
plishlng less-that will always be
an inspiration to you, no matter what
your aims may be"
For moment the young man did
not reply. Then he looked Mt his COM
panion. his gaze sincere.
"Leta. you're right" he agreed quiet
ly. That's the way want you to
feel about II. Deep down In my heart
know that you would always inspire
me To strive for the best In life. But
must convince you Of this. and III
do II. too. dear girl. II | get the
chance
Maybe you will. Thornton" she
replied. and | hope that you will
more than you can guess. Why-why
not begin AZ the game today?"
That's what intend to do. Leta"
was his prompt RESPONSE. Il expect to
play ms never played before. just be-
cause you are wearing Cintons col
ors and wearing my pennant. It's n
pretty one. Isn't II?
"Thc gold and brown stripes harmo-
nlze beautifully with that bright
brown gown you are wearing. Your
ticket calls for seat back ON the
north goal. and know I'll see you
clearly despite the crowds
ut certainly is fine" she declared.
that little me may bc an inspiration
To Clinton boy To play nj his best.
But II seems almost a pity that you are
not one OF the halfbacks or In the line.
though know everything depends
on the quarterback. He gives the sig
nails ard delivers the ball. doesn't he:"
II know what you mean. Leta. he
said You would like To see me in II
position where could run with the
ball instead Of handing II out to some
body else?''
The girl nodded
well. that's because | weigh only
145 instead of 200 pounds" he contin-
ued After all. It takes sheer weight
in the line. and that naturally slides
me into the guarterback's place.
"But you mustn't forget that Clinton
depends upon me To Kick the goals. and
Il goal kicked or missed often wins or
loses big game like this"
They were now on the college
grounds amid shouting hundreds and
Guttcring flags and pennants. Thorn
ton assisted I.eta TO her seat high up
In that part Of the scmiclrcular grand
stand that stretched around behind the
north goal
IL hope Clinton gets the south end
Of the field" he said as he started on
toward the clubhouse.
why" she asked.
Because then I'll be able to see the
orange and brown magnet that's draw
ing me north toward Darnall's goal!'
he said earnestly.
Soon the rival elcvens trotted out on
the field. and from the thousand
tongucd grand stand rose mighty
shout. while pennants. ribbons. hand
kerchiefs and flags mingled In wav-
ing. varicolored mass
II was the great wind-up game Of
the year. and there was chance for
any player To win glory crown by
making the deciding touchdown. Both
elevens, II was evident were steeled
for the contest.
But. as fate would have It. Clinton
got the north end of the field. and
savage quarterback waited for the UNI
pire's signal with his back 10 the girl
In orange who was waving pennant
lti
But despite this disappointment he
gathered his strength for the charge,
and as the shriI whistle struck his
ears he leaped forward straight for
the ball that lay on the line twenty
yards In front of him. Bln. The oval
went whirling through the air In II
sixty yard pnrabola, with the whole
Clinton team In pursuit.
The ball landed In the arms Of Oar
nails fullback. and the big fellow
came back up the field IN series OF
lunges But before a dozen yells had
split the air he was down with every
Clinton man piling over him.
Then the shoulder to shoulder battle
began In three downs Darnall lost
the ball. Then Thornton's opportunity
came To test Darnalls line he gave
nj the risk Of having his own neck
twisted n series Of center rush signals.