Smyrna times., 1909-01-06
Kicking
: a Goal
By LITTELL M'CLUNG.
Copyrighted, 1908, by Associated
Literary Press.

Though it was only an hour before
the great football game between Clin-
ton and Darnall, their conversation
was not of the gridiron as they walked
down Main street bound for Clinton
oval.
There's only one thing that keeps
me from becoming engaged to you
right now, Thornton" said the girl
after a serious pause.
You'll have to 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 a 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-
couragement you would be accom-
plishing less-that l will always be
an inspiration to you, no matter what
your aims may be-"
VI q lA4OAlClAl A0C JOullS man 04u
not reply. Then he looked at his COM
panion, his gaze sincere.
''Leta, you're right" he agreed quiet
ly. That's the way l want you to
feel about it. Deep down in my heart
l know that you would always inspire
me to strive for the best in life. But
must convince you Of this, and I'll
do it, too, dear girl, if l get the
chance!'
Maybe you will, Thornton she
replied "and hope that you will
more than you can guess. Why-why
not begin at the game today?"
That's what 1 intend to do, Letar
was his prompt response. Il expect to
play as 1 never played before, just be-
cause you are wearing Clinton's col
ors and wearing my pennant. It's a
pretty one. isn't it?
"The gold and brown stripes harmO-
nize beautifully with that bright
brown gown you are wearing. Your
ticket calls for a seat back on the
north goal, and l know I'll see you
clearly despite the crowds"
ut certainly is fine" she declared
that little me may be an inspiration
to Clinton boy to play at his best.
But it seems almost pity that you are
not one of the halfbacks or in the line,
though l know everything depends
on the quarterback. He gives the sig
nails and delivers the ball. doesn't hep
Il know what you mean, Leta," he
said. You would like to see me in a
position where l could run with the
ball instead of handing it out to some
body else?"
The girl nodded.
well, that's because l 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 quarterback's place.
But you mustn't forget that Clinton
depends upon me to kick the goals, and
a goal kicked or missed often wins or
loses 4 big game ike this"
They were now on the college
grounds amid shouting hundreds and
fluttering flags and pennants. Thorn
ton assisted Leta to her seat high up
in that part Of the semicircular grand
stand that stretched around behind the
north goal.
Il hope Clinton gets. the south end
Of the field,' he said as he started off
toward the clubhouse.
''Why?" she asked.
d.
orange and brown magnet that's draw
ing lille north toward Darnalrs goal!'
he said earnestly.
Soon the rival elevens trotted out Oh
the field, and from the thousand
tOngued grand stand rose a mighty
shout, while pennants, ribbons, hand
kerchiefs and flags mingled in n wav.
ing, varicOlored mass.
1t was the great wind-up game OF
the year. and there was a chance fol-
any player to win a glory crown by
making the deciding touchdown. Both
elevens, it was evident. were steeled
for the contest.
But, as fate would have It. Clinton
got the north end Of the field, and a
savage quarterback waited for the urn
pire's signal with his back to the cir
in orange who was waving a pennan'
for him.
But despite this disappointment hC
gathered his strength for the charge
and as the shrill whistle struck hi.
ears he leaped forward straight fol
the ball that lay on the line twenty
yards in front of him. Bif! The ova
went whirling through the air in
sixty yard parabola. with the Who'll,
| Clinton team in pursuit.
The ball landed in the arms Of Dar
nails fullback, and the big fellow
came back up the field in a series 0
lunges. But before a dozen yells haC
split the air he was down, with ever,
Clinton man piling over him.
Then the shoulder to shoulder battl
began. In three downs DarnaIl los
the bali. Then Thornton's opportunit,
came. To test Daraalrs line he CAV
Mt the risk Of having his own necl
twisted series of center rush signals
Three times the heavy backs eharq
ed over him, and he felt his breat