"Nothin' doin'! If they try to put Judd Billings in your position he'll hand in his resignation."
* * * * *
Cateye was right. Coach Phillips was forced to give Judd a chance.
The next practice had not gone five minutes before Phillips called to
Judd. "Billings, come over here. I want you to fill in at left guard
on the varsity."
"I'm sorry, sir, but can't you put me in some other position?"
"I'm afraid that is impossible, Billings. Tell me, what is your reason for not wishing to play left guard?"
Judd was silent.
Coach Phillips saw a strange light in the boy's eyes. He stepped over, laid a friendly hand on Judd's rugged shoulder.
"Well?"
"… It's like this," Judd began, softly, "That's Cateye's position. He,—he's the best friend I've got. The fellows think I'm just a rube, but I—I appreciate a pal like Cateye. I … I'd give my life for him any day,—but take his position,—well—I just can't, sir!"
Coach Phillips was deeply touched. Here was loyalty in a deeper sense than he had ever seen it before. If Judd could only be taught the same sense of loyalty toward his college! Judd shifted his feet, restlessly; he was slightly embarrassed. He had planned to quit abruptly if asked to take Cateye's place and the fact that he had confessed to the coach his reason for not wanting the position made Judd a trifle indignant. For at least a full minute neither one spoke.