“He had to go on an errand,” she replied; “but he’ll be back. You’re doing splendidly, Marj,” she added. “Do you feel all right?”
“Yes—yes, of course,” answered the other girl, who was on too great a tension to know how she actually felt. Then she told Lily of the change Jack was effecting for the second half.
“I know that you’re going to win!” Lily assured her gaily.
“Lil—has Mr. Richards gone, too?” inquired Marjorie, suddenly growing suspicious lest something had happened.
“Yes, I believe he had some sort of work to do.”
“Seems funny,” muttered Marjorie. “I can’t understand John’s leaving, since he never mentioned any engagement to me, or errand of any sort. Well, I guess I better go practice shooting baskets till the whistle blows.”
She went back to the floor, feeling something of her old confidence returning. She was an experienced forward, having played the position almost as often as that of center; moreover, she was sure that her aim was good. The practicing, too, only served to confirm this assurance, for time after time the ball fell through the basket. When the second half was about to begin, she was all eagerness to try her skill.
The change which Jack had suggested proved his wisdom immediately; at the very first toss-up, Annie tapped the ball right into her side-center’s hands. Loyal little scout that she was, Dot was only too anxious to give Marjorie a chance to make good, and selected her, rather than Goldie, as the recipient of her pass. Marjorie jumped higher than she had jumped in the center to catch it, and with perfect sureness of aim, tossed it right into the basket. In less than a minute’s time, Sunflower team had tied the score.
Marjorie’s joy knew no bounds; during the applause that followed, her eyes sought John’s, but he was still absent; in Lily’s however, she read encouragement and approval.
It was Cornflower Troop’s turn to play the defensive game, and with a mighty effort they threw themselves into the task. But the advantage remained with Marjorie’s players, for Annie Marshall continued to land the jump.