Evening star., 1935-12-01

we'd get big crowds for those last three
games in Boston. If we happened to
win all four games, we could get into
the play-on for the National Cham
pionship and that would be gravy. But
even if we didn't, big crowds at those
three home games would give me an
even break and l could pay off the
loan without running myself. But as it
is -" Hartigan paused, looking out
across the field. The gun cracked for
the end of the half.
"As it is." Nal said with some Bit
terness. I've Topped on you"
He walked with Hartigan toward
the dressing room. II really shouldn't
have let you play at ALL" Hartigan
said. Il was told not to. But thought
I'd gamble and fly here and talk it
over with you. We had bum weather,
though, and l got here too late - just
in time to see that pass go over your
head for score"
And you think that my playing in
this first half may have put you in bad
with Camden Associates?' NAL said.
Something subtle, sharp and almost
crafty moved in him. For generations
this thing had made the Hales bankers,
great merchants. owners of railroads
Though he might be cold heartsick
and discouraged in a strange city, this
thing could still move in the latest of
the Hales.
Maybe" said Hartigan, but by
keeping you out of the game in the
second half. can give them evidence
of my good faith and say that tried
to keep you out of the whole game"
And they'll ask you what you were
doing flying here instead of wiring
Walters to keep me out of the game"
Hartigan flushed. and Nal went on.
Listen. You almost have to gamble.
I'll gamble with you. Let me play this
second half and let me play the games
in Boston. If they won't come out to
see me make good there, the South
Boston people will come out to ride
me-"
For one game they will, Hartigan
said. He and NAL were in corner of
the locker room now. Walters was out
lining defense on the blackboard, but
neither Hartigan nor Nal were watch
ing him.
"All right Gamble anyhow" Nal
said. IF you go bust, I'll not take
cent. I'm supposed to get three thou
sand. five hundred for the-four games.
l won't take nickel if don't draw
big crowds in Boston. And if do come
through here which will more or less
insure big crowds there, you'll have
your debt paid off and own three
quarters of the ball club"
What do you mean - three quar-
ters?"
II mean that if this goes over, |
want quarter-interest in your club.
You can't put the proposition over in
Boston without me now. and even if
you don't let me play the second half
here, you'll probably lose out with
Camden Associates anyhow"
Hartigan looked at Nal Hale and
saw fire in his eye and heard the
vibration in the voice. He closed his
own eyes and remembered his youth
and thoroughbreds dancing toward
the post at Rockingham Park. He
opened his eyes "All right Ill gamble
Play this second half - and you'd bet
ter come through"
The fire leaped in Nal. On the field
he didn't notice the other players ex-
cept as shapes. some of whom might
help him, others try to stop him. He
was younger, tiercer, faster than they
and he knew Ion Varney. He took
the ball on the kickoff and came back
forty-five yards with it, almost break
ing clear Now we go!' he yelled
The Pitt team began to ride him
again, calling him "rah-rah" and MINI
licking his broad "a" But Nal could
laugh at them. He was faster. He
warmed I'D quicker. Con Morgan. a