The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-11-06
CHAPTER HI

"We,re going on a strike" Don Hak blurted.
 "Were through with Landis' Nirty tricks" Calvert added. He sent me into the game last night Co run of that razzle-dazzle. Now he's ducking the blame. We won't stand for itl"
 Buck Mentor, looking from one angry face to the other with grave gray eyes, said nothing.
 Drowsy explained. "They haven't forgotten all the cold, rainy days he sent the squad home with sniff lies and sore muscles. They're still pretty mad at Landis."
 And they're dead set on win ming the big game against East this year." Hart said. "If we re- fuse to play for Landis, they'll back us up"
 The boys were silent, waiting for Buck to speak. He took @ long pull on his pipe.
 "You fellows know there's noth- ing in the world I'd rather do than coach you"
 "Attaboy, Buck! Bill knows how you want Us to block and tackle. He can help you"
 "No, wait, I haven't finished. It's impossible the way you've planned it."
 "Why?" Hart demanded. "You fellows are like soldiers in an army" Buck said slowly. "You can't just quit when some- thing doesn't please you. Not even if you think the generals giving you a dirty deal. That's called desertion. You've got to stick out your jaws and ask for more"
 Calvert scuffed his toe on the threadbare carpet. But, gosh, Buck, we thought ."
 Bucks voice was gentle. Sure, fellow, know what you thought. It's not easy for me to refuse. I'm just about bursting inside that you fellows want me. But if Lan- dis is really poor coach he won't last. Tn the meantime, give him all you've got. Then If he fails he won't have an alibi."
 Gee, Buck, do you really mean that?" Drowsy asked.
 The boys talked in iow tones, the Hart said, "Okay, Buck, what you say goes with us. We'll stick"
 Good stuff, fellowsl" As the squed moved slowly toward the doos Buck turned to his son. "Bill, can you practice with them to- morrow"
 T usually squeeze in a little AiYa1n hnfora SvnrL punk pYf why?"
 I'm not sure. Bill, but some- how feel that seeing you take the same medicine I prescribe for them may help ."
 When his last class was over, Bill dashed for the locker room A sense of excitement gripped him as he put on Bucks worn uniform. The shoul- derpads were bulky and obsolete, the jersey faded and torn; but 0 Bill 1t was suit of shining armor.
 As he logged out on the prac- tice field, Landis turned. Te was a heavy man with meat-red face and practically no neck. He parked commands like a drill ser- geant, yet never seemed quite sure of himself.
 "Working out today, Mentorp"
 If it's okay, Coach"
 "Aakes no difference to me. You can scrimmage with the scrubs.
 Bill went into a huddle. He ran of several routine plays without much gain. The varsity squad was charging in hard and fast. The scrubs were determined but out ciassed.
 "Too bad you guys can't roll like that under pressure" Landis com- mented sarcastically.
 The boys scowled but remained silent. From the varsity backfield Bullethead Peskin called with a sneer: "Hey, Mentor, why doncha give us some of those too, too wonderful plays of your old man?"
 Bill took a threatening step toward Peskin, but Landis cut in sharply. "All right, all right, get going nowl"
 StilI smoldering, Bill called his squad into a huddle. Lets show Coach what we can do," he WSESC0s 14C1Co . OIlC ouCh IduBIlL me. It's no razzle-dazzle, but if we set 1t timed right it may fool lem. Now listen ."
 Bill took the pass from center, drove forward. Just before he reached the line he handed the ball to the wingback, who started a sweep around right end. Bills | heart pounded as he blocked out | Q defensive guard trailing the play. He wanted desperately to | Do able to tell Buck that his play had fooled the varsity Then he heard Landis' whistle | 4krill and saw the ball carrier sail | Into the clear. The play had gurkedl Hands on his hips, Lands glared | kt Bin. T suppose you think | S1usre quite . coach, eh, Mentor?" t'No, sir" 'sWell. get this straight. You can teach the scrubs all the Buck | Mentor plays you want, but no Marzity of mine will ever run *heEn. Tn fact, Mentor, I'd well Hcne the chance to smear few All~American playsl"
 Kill turned to the scrubs with | grin. If any of you fellows are Interested in Coach's idea. drop Mznund the house. Buck'll give M q little skull practice. So long," IE vas nearly Bill's quitting time ssen BulIethead Peskin swaggered HfQ tho drug store. Dot Skelton &.l1na ko his arm. Bullethead led her s4 a booth and gestured imperiously & 1iii.
 eolmme c hot chocolate. and Dot &Ee wants"
 s.1hank you." Dot snapped, "fIl Ks my own ordering" She curved zk faI lred lips ln teasing smile. HH are you, Biil7 Don't you I91k ftB be nice 70 say hello to