knowledge of the Brimfield football signal
code and of Mr. Robey's special plays.

CHAPTER XI

MR. BRADY FORGETS

THAT afternoon Don's knowledge stood him in good stead, for with more
than half the first-string players excused from practice, his services
were called on at the start, and, with McPhee and Cotter running the
squad, the signal drill was long and thorough. Harry Walton viewed Don's
advent with disfavour. That was apparent to Don and anyone else who
thought of the matter, although he pretended a good-natured indifference
that wasn't at all deceiving. Don more than once caught his rival
observing him with resentment and dislike, and, remembering that Harry
Walton had been a witness of his unconventional return to hall that
night, he experienced misgivings. Of course, Harry wouldn't "peach,"
but--well, Don again wished anyone rather than Harry had stumbled on the
secret.

But he didn't have much time for worrying about that matter, for Coach
Robey went after them hard that day. In the practice game with the
second team Don started at left guard and played the position until
within a few minutes of the whistle. Then Harry Walton, who had been
disgruntledly adorning the bench, took his place. He didn't look at Don
as he accepted the latter's head-guard, but Don was well aware that
Harry felt anything but good-will for him. Naturally enough, Harry had,
Don reflected, expected to step into Gafferty's place without opposition
when news of the extent of the latter's injury had become known, and it
was undoubtedly a big disappointment to him to discover that he had to
fight a new opponent. Don could sympathise with Harry, for he had
endured disappointments himself during his brief football career, but it
is difficult to sympathise very enthusiastically when the subject of
your sympathy shows his dislike for you, and Don metaphorically shrugged
his shoulders as he trotted up to the gymnasium.

"It isn't my fault," he said to himself. "I didn't bust Joe Gafferty's
rib and I'm not responsible for Robey's taking me on the first team.
Walton will just have to make the best of it."

Don couldn't flatter himself that he had played that afternoon with
especial brilliancy, although he had managed to hold his end up fairly
well. The fact was that he had been so intent on getting speeded into
his performance that he had rather skimped the niceties of line-play.
And he wasn't at all certain that he had shown any m