There was quite a gathering of spectators who watched the practice, but Don noticed them very little, failing to observe that among them were three girls who were much interested.
At last the practice was over, Sterndale announcing that they had done enough for one day. Then, as Renwood was giving them some instructions about dieting and getting into good condition, Don leaped down from the bleachers and strode out upon the field. When the group broke up, the coach found himself face to face with the lad who had withdrawn from the team.
The rather handsome face of Don Scott was sullen and scowling, and there seemed to be a gleam in his black eyes.
“I have a few more words I want to say to you, Renwood!” he said, his voice hoarse and unsteady.
“And I have something I want to say to you!” Dolph flung back instantly. “A fellow with such a beastly temper as you have isn’t fit to play football, and the team will be better off without you.”
With a cry, Don sprang forward and drew back his clenched fist, intending to strike Renwood full in the face; but a pretty girl with gold-brown eyes stepped between them, and he saw before him the sister of the fellow he hated.
CHAPTER V.
AN UNFORTUNATE COMPACT.
Don’s hand dropped instantly and he fell back a step, gasping and trembling, startled and abashed.
The slender left hand of the girl rested on the breast of her brother, while her right was lifted with the open palm toward his angry enemy, upon whom her eyes were turned with an appealing look in their gold-flaked depths.
“Don’t!” she said, shrinking a little before the clouded face of the angry lad.