“Can’t,” answered Phil desperately, and the captain saw that his face was drawn and strained.
“Why not?” demanded Holly.
“Because—read that!” and Phil held out a crumpled telegram. Slowly Holly deciphered it:
“Come at once. Your mother is dying.”
It was signed with Phil’s father’s name.
“When did you get this?” asked the captain slowly, while the other players gathered about.
“It came just—just before the game,” answered Phil. “I must go—and get my sister. We must start for Florida—at once.”
“Just before the game?” said Holly in a low voice. “Just before the game? And you played, knowing that—that your mother was—was——”
Holly faltered. There was a huskiness in his voice.
“I played the game,” said Phil simply. “I—I didn’t want to tell you fellows, for fear you’d put a substitute in. But I’m going, now,” and he turned toward the grandstand.