The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-11-15
GOAL TO GO

for the operation"
 "Think of it, Buckl" Bills eyes glowed. Being able to walk again
 Buck dropped his hand to Bill's knee. Thanks to you, fellow. AS usual, you carried the mail"
 Bill laughed because the foot- ball term was so appropriate. T carried it, all right" he admitted. i've still got that letterI Bill sobered. But, Buck, I wish could really carry the mail for you"
 Regret showed in Buck Mentors deep-set eyes. Bill, what do you think it would mean to me to have you out there playing next Satur- day? But I can't; you know that
 "Not even for one quarter?"
 "No, Bill. Young Peskin is the only boy on the squad who hasn't honestly earned his position. And we can't yank him. Not because I'm afraid of Julius Peskin, but because it would look like spite work"
 "Okay, Buck, you're the boss"
 "That's the spirit" Buck said, pulling himself slowly to his feet. 'The other night when you tackled that bandit you won a vic- tory. But it's still good think to remember what Walter Camp said: If I could have the arrang- ing of my sons defeats and vic- tories, would give him a defeat to evry victory This is your defeat, Bill"
 All week Buck toiled with the team. On Friday evening he gave them a final chalk talk. When 1t was over, Bill headed for the Welch front porch.
 Bundled in sweaters, he and Helen sat on the top step and talked. Bill was neither gloomy nor optimistic in his predictions.
 Bucks done everything a coach could in such short time. If we don't win, it isn't his fault"
 But you think we will?"
 East is tough" Bill said. "They haven't lost a game this season. We've only won one. But we've got the spirit now, and that makes a difference. One of their back field men, Laurie, is hunk of greased lightning. If we can stop him ."
 we've got to, Bill" Helen's words made pale vapor on the brittle air. "Too much depends on winning"
 Bill nodded, said slowly, "You know, If Buck gets steady job I can sort of make plans"
 What kind of plans, Bill?"
 "Oh, just plans" he said vague ly. You know, like people always make"
 Helen tilted her chin. "Oh, well, if you want to be mysterious ."
 Heck, no, it isn't that, Helen. It's just hard for a guy to say"
 "Why?" she murmured.
 "It's a long way ahead" Bill said doggedly. "Too far, l guess, to mention"
 She turned her back on him. "Then it can't be very important. If it was, you'd want to tell me"
 "All right" Bill said desperate ly. T just thought that you and well, after go to college :"
 What, Bill?"
 "Ch, Jumping Jackob, Helen, don't you catch on?"
 She turned then, smiling. She had been smiling all the time over his embarrassment. "Of course, catch on, Bill" She squeezed his hand. And I think you have the swellest plans of anyone I know"
 Bill got up. Well, I'd better go in so won't disturb Buck"
 Helen stood up, too, and lifted her lips to him. Bill kissed her, finding her mouth cool. and sweet. You're a darn swell girl, Helen," he said huskily.
 Saturday was perfect for foot ball. The thermometer hung just above freezing. With business at a standstill, City Stadium became the hub of activity. Even Julius Peskin closed his store for the afternoon and took advantage of the box at his disposal.
 Long before game time, the sta- dium was filled and people begged for standing room. Vests scarlet clad band paraded about the field behind its high-stepping drum major. They made numerous for- nations, ending up before East's stands in a big E. Cheers cut crisply across the clear winter day.
 Down in Vests dressing room, the noise was a faint murmur. Thirty-odd tight-jawed young sters wriggled into uniform. Buck Mentor hobbled among them, lending a hand here and there, but saying little. Bill stayed by his side. He had insisted on wear ing Bucks old uniform, saying, Tt may bring us luck"
 Buck Mentor looked at the clock "I'm not giving you a pep talk, fellows. You don't need it. You've proved that to me this week. You've done a swell job,