s very soul
longing for that steak and a couple of soft eggs! Afterward, when he
reported to Danny, the trainer produced fresh discouragement in him.

"Fine, me boy!" declared the trainer. "You're as good as ever, aren't
you? Keep in the air all you can and go light with the dinner."

"I--I don't feel very fit," muttered Don.

"Get along with you! You're the picture of health! Don't be saying
anything like that to Mr. Robey, or he might believe it and bench you.
Run along now and mind what I tell you. Game's at two-fifteen today."

It was fortunate that Don had but two recitations that morning, for he
was in no condition for such unimportant things. His mind was too full
of what was before him. At dinner it was easy enough to obey Danny's
command and eat lightly, for he was far too worried to want food. The
noon meal was eaten early in order that the players might have an hour
for digestion before they went to the field. Chambers came swinging up
to the school at half-past one, in all the carriages to be found at the
station, while her supporters trailed after on foot. The stands filled
early and, by the time the Chambers warriors trotted on to the gridiron
for their practice, looked gay and colourful with waving pennants.

Don kept close to Tim from the time dinner was over until they reached
the locker-room in the gymnasium. Tim was puzzled and disgusted over his
chum's behaviour and secretly began to think that perhaps, after all, he
was not in the condition his appearance told him to be. Don listlessly
dragged his playing togs on and was dressed by the time Coach Robey came
in. He hoped that the coach would give him his opportunity then to
declare his unfitness for work, but Mr. Robey paid no attention to him.
He said the usual few words of admonition to the players, conferred with
Manager Morton and the trainer and disappeared again. Captain Edwards
led the way out of the building at a few minutes before two and they
jogged down to the field and, heralded by a long cheer from the stand,
took their places on the benches. It was a fine day for football, bright
and windless and with a true November nip in the air.

Chambers yielded half the gridiron and Coach Robey approached the bench.
"All right, first and second squads," he said cheerfully. "Try your
signals out, but take it easy. Rollins, you'd better try a half-dozen
goals. Martin, too. How about you, Gilbert? You feeling all right?"

Don felt the colour se