Hal realized at once that he had been led in a most skilful manner by Burrows to help in advancing the ball by adding his weight to that of the right-end as the ends swung round. Now, Burrows grinned back at him.
Again the same play was tried, but this time, instead of charging against Burrows, Hal made a feint and then cut through the line past Stanton, and hurled himself into the formation that was to send Dick Merriwell forward with the ball. So fierce was his assault that the formation was disturbed, and, before an advance could be made the scrub had shattered the interference and stopped the trick.
When they lined up again Hal gave Burrows a smile of triumph.
As the play continued Darrell showed both strength and skill, soon proving one of the most efficient men on the scrub. His one fault was in playing too high, but his success seemed to anger Burrows, who resorted to rough measures that caused Frank Merriwell to reprimand him repeatedly.
Finally Frank took Burrows out, going in to correct Darrell’s style of playing high by taking a position on the right end himself. He talked to Darrell, giving him instructions on charging, and then he met the assault of the new player in the first scrimmage.
Hal found Merriwell like a rock.
"Lower! lower!" said Frank. "You lose force by playing so high."
Thus Frank Merriwell gave Darrell considerable attention, although he did not forget others or the general play of the regulars.
But Hal’s opportunity came near the middle of the second half, when, by a clever tackle, he prevented Dick Merriwell from getting away and running half the length of the field for a touch-down. Hal slammed Dick down with particular viciousness, his heart full of joy, but when Dick started to roll, which he did at once, the tackler forgot himself and resorted to what looked like slugging methods. Instantly Dick said:
"If that’s what you want, you may have it any time after the game. I shall be pleased to accommodate you."