Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-11-15

ever have thought that Johnny-the great
Johnny Pitzpatrick-could have leg broken?
On the other hand-and Ray groaned aloud
as he thought Of it-how could fellow let
down his school and his coach and his team
mates in the middle of a season? What would
everybody say If he quit? They'd call him
yellow, wouldn't they? And wouldn't they be
right? Just imagine people saying that Ray
Dunno quit playing foot ball because mamma
wouldn't al1owr
He went to practice ON Monday, but his
playing was half-hearted, and he was con-
scious of his mothers hurt eyes when he re-
turned that night. He went again on Tuesday
and ON Wednesday, but his work at left end
grew worse and worse. The coach exhorted,
scolded pleaded and Ray tried desperately.
But it was no use. He SHE'D away from tackles,
let the opposing finemen through him, stopped
before he was tackled after receiving passes.
His game had gone completely to pieces.
FINALLY on Thursday afternoon the coach
] took him out of the second team lineup,
where he had been giving sorry exhibition
and told him that he wanted to see him
after practice. With sense OF impending
disaster, Ray met the coach in corner of
the locker room. Coach Culbertson's voice
was stern, but his eyes were compassionate IS
he spoke.
at don't know what's got into you, Ray" he
said, ''but think you'd better drop foot bah
team at present, and your influence on the
other boys is bad. can't have any fellow on
my squad who has lost his nerve"
The blood hared into Rays face. A hot
retort was on his lips. And then came to him
the realization that Coach Culbertson had
spoken the truth. He had lost his nerve. He
was yeIlow-a coward! And he had been fired
from the foot ball team.
Somehow he managed to get out Of the
locker room. His mind was numb as he walked
~ g. LII xw4R% I1,,A @A&
ct the dinner table, scarcely eating bite.
Whats the matter. Ray?" Mrs. Dunno
finally inquired Are you sick. You-you
aren't hurt, are you?"
Ray looked up duly. "No, Mother" he
said in a weary voice, I'm not sick And you
don't need to worry about my getting hurt any
more. I'm through with foot ball."
"Ray!"s The joy In his mothers voice was
almost more than he could bear. "Oh I'm %
glad you gave up that awful game. I'm so
happy that you quit the team"
A WAVE of anger swept over Ray. EFT isn't
n an awful camel" he cried. "And didn't
quit the team was fired-kicked out-told
that wasn't worth . nickel because I was
yellowl was called coward. and"
His voice broke. He couldn't say another
word. Jumping to his feet he rushed from the
table His mother looked after him I'm amaze
ment for moment. while she took in his words.
Then suddenly she was hurrying after him.
''Who said those things about your" she de-
manded, catching up with him and shaking his
arm 'Who dared to call you . coward?"
coach Cu1bertson, Of course" he returned.
"And why shouldn't her"
Mrs. DUNES eyes now shone with new
Hgft and her face was flushed with anger
Nobody in the world can say things like That
about my son" she cried, and turning. she
hurried to the hall and put ON her coat and hat.
(To be continued next Sunday
Misplaced
raIT've a terrible corn on the boftnmn nR