“Only on a class team at Hillbury.”
“That’s more than most of us have done. You ought to make our team easily.”
“I’d like to,” said Hardie, wistfully.
“Ever play end?”
“That’s where I’ve always played.”
“See here!” Talbot raised his eyes level with his companion’s and gave him a square, direct look. “We need just the kind of fellow you are, but Harry doesn’t know it yet. You keep your mouth shut, play for all that’s in you, try to do what the coach tells you, and you’ll make the team before the first league game. Understand?”
“Yes.”
“All right.” Talbot turned toward the door. “Where’s that ’Lijah with the towels? He hasn’t given me a clean one for two days.”
A sober-faced negro with close-cut side whiskers appeared round the corner.
“Aren’t you going to give me a clean towel, Lije?”