The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-11-07

slaughter" Bill said gloomily "I'n bet Landis is fit to be tied"
 Landis was. They could hear his voice as he stomped along the side lines believing at the boys. Catch ing sight of Bill, he scowled.
 "Well, Mentor, still teaching the scrubs to be All-Americas" . "No, sir. but we've got some new plays ready to roll. You said you'd ike a chance to have the varsity stop them" :.
 Bill spoke quietly, without chal- lenge. but his words sent a rush or crimson to Landis' face. For the first time he appeared to realize that his taunt had been taken sin. cerely, and that now it was too late to back out.
 q meant what I said, Mentor" " he snapped. Then, turning to the varsity squad: Get in. there and smear this play wide open!"
 In the huddle Bill said earnest ly. Lets make these good, fellows. We know the plays will work, put we've got to prove 1t to Coach. If we do, he may let the varsity use 'em. Let's go!"
 The play was simple, yet em- ployed a brand of deception suit able to young teams The ball came to A big scrub back. Bill cut behind him. faked a grab at the ball. Then, running together, the two sliced oil tackle Good work by the other tak- ing back had made it appear that the play was going in another direc- ton. Only the defensive halfback stayed on the play. Bill roll-blocked him as he dived for the ball carrier. I,andis blew his whistle sharply.
 Silence hung over the field a minute. The varsity stood in a sheepish group. To a man, the scrubs tried to hide the triumph that lighted their faces.
 Bill Mentor was surprised. Bucks training told him that the play shouldn't have clicked so easily. He sensed that it wasn't the fault of the varsity boys, but of their deten- sive training.
 Coach Landis strode across the field toward Bill. The tiny network of veins on his nose famed.
 "Mentor," he said, you're too big for your britches."
 But. Coach" Bill protested, "you wanted me to show the scrubs"
 T don't want them learning cir cut plays" he ragged. You're" He checked himself as if realizing that his anger carried him too far. 50 long as I'm coach, Mentor, I'll run the show. You're a diSrupting ln- fluence. I've let you practice with the squad because l felt sorry for you. I'm through being soft. Don't let me catch you around this field again."
 I'm sorry, Coach. You see, l thought you wanted me to-"
 Don't talk back!" Landis shouted.
 Bill dug his cleats into the ground, bit down an angry retort. Buck had told the fellows to be- have like soldiers. Now 1t was his turn to take orders and not whine
 He started toward the sidelines, shoulders erect. Passing the varsity squad he said, T didn't mean to show of, fellows, I'm sorry"
 Eleven husky boys grinned at Bill. Forget it, guy" Don Hart said. Were not sore" Then, in whls. per, "It was a darn good play; tell Buck we said so."
 Bill changed clothes slowly. He wrapped Bucks uniform in big bundle. Where his heart should have been, there was sick, empty feeling. No more football ever. In another year he'd be through school and looking for a steady job. Bill Mentor realized sharply just how much these sandwiched-in practice sessions meant to him.
 That night, Bill tried to get the bundle in without letting Buck see it but the older mans keen eyes noted the shape of the package.
 That looks suspiciously like a football uniform, Bill Anything wrong"
 Lying to Buck was out of the question. Bill said duly, "Landis booted me off the field today"
 Why"
 Bill tol1 him.
 Buck nodded, thumbed his pipe; but he uttered no condemnation of Landis. He said simply, That's tough, fellow"
 But he asked me to teach the scrubs"
 Bluff, Bill, He never intended for you to do it."
 Maybe he was right" Bill said. T guess I did want to show oil your plays, Buck"
 Buck Mentor smiled. Keep punching, Bill. If things go as I've planned, you've got five years Of football ahead"
 Five years! Say"
 Here, take look at this, fellow"
 
 On the table Bill saw movie oo r,oro ond y,rniecfnr "Rlck for