Which Phil did, and his two chums both declared it ought to work well. They tried it in practice against the scrub next day, after Coach Lighton and Captain Holly Cross had given their approval to it. The play operated like a charm, and was good for a touch-down. It completely fooled the second eleven.
“It remains to be seen whether it will do the same thing against another team,” said the coach. “But we’ll try it Saturday against the Dodville Prep School. Now, boys, line up, and we’ll run through it again? Also the forward pass and the on-side kick.”
The players were in the midst of a scrimmage, and Joe Jackson had just made a fine run, when Wallops was seen coming across the gridiron. The messenger had an envelope in his hand, and at the sight of him Phil Clinton turned pale.
“Get back, Wallops!” cried the coach. “You’re in the way.”
“I have a telegram for Mr. Clinton,” said the messenger.
“Oh, all right. Come on.”
Phil’s hand were trembling so he could hardly open the message. He read it at a glance. Tom went close to him, and put his hand on his shoulder.
“Is it—is it——” he began.
“Dad says to hold myself in readiness to come at any time,” said Phil slowly.
There was silence among the players, all of whom knew of the serious illness of Phil’s mother. Coach Lighton went up to the quarter-back and said: