THE SECOND HALF
Bob rushed out and greeted Judd before he reached the sidelines.
"Fine work, old man! You're a wonder! I knew you would be if they ever gave you a chance. Why, say, it was worth coming a hundred miles just to see those two plays! Shake hands, Buddy. You don't know how glad I am to see you. Hold on, what's this,—blood?"
"Yep," grinned Judd, gazing a bit ruefully at his right hand which was swollen and bleeding. "That big jumbo Gordon put his foot on it."
"Here, let me fix it for you." Bob hunted up some tape and bandages.
Judd sat down in the circle of football men. Coach Phillips had a kind word for every man. He praised Judd especially for his great work during the last two minutes of the first half. The rube's face glowed with pleasure. For the first time he was beginning to feel the college spirit and a great ambition surged up within him for Bartlett to win the game. But the word which gave him deepest satisfaction and fired him with determination came from Cateye.
"I'm proud of you, pal. Remember—you're fighting for Bartlett and for me!"
A tremendous roar swept across the field as the two teams trotted upon the gridiron for the beginning of the second half.
Judd was given another cheer by the Bartlett stands. He seemed totally oblivious of it all.
Benz shouted to him. "Rube, they're cheering you!"