“I know it,” was the almost unexpected answer from the quarter-back. “I wondered if any one noticed it.”
“I did,” added Tom, “but I wasn’t going to say anything. I thought it was because it was the first game.”
“No,” said Phil slowly, “it wasn’t that. I’m all unstrung—nervous—that’s what’s the matter.”
“You nervous!” exclaimed Sid. “I wouldn’t have believed that. What’s the matter?”
“It’s my mother,” said Phil quietly, and there was a strange tone in his voice.
“She—she’s not worse—is she?” asked Tom, and the room became curiously quiet.
“No,” answered Phil; “but I can’t tell what moment she may be. Fellows, I’m living in constant fear of receiving a message that—that she—that she’s dead!”