“All right, this way,” greeted the Coach, as Toby raced on. “What’s the name?”
“Tucker, sir.”
“Ever played quarter, Tucker?”
“No, sir.”
“Well, then what the mischief——”
“Trainer said any of us, sir.”
Mr. Burtis frowned, smiled and nodded shortly. “Go ahead then. Let’s see what you can do. Know the signals?”
“Yes, sir.” Toby was pretty certain that he had forgotten them, but it wouldn’t do to say so! Turning, he caught the amused smile of Captain Beech. Toby dropped the lid of his left eye gravely and stepped to position behind center.
“Look what you’re doing, Tucker,” warned the coach. “Third down and four to go.” There was amusement in his tone and Toby flushed. Third down and four, he thought hurriedly. That meant that a line play wasn’t the thing. What was, then? He hesitated and glanced doubtfully at the backs. The trainer blew his whistle. Something had to be done and done quickly. If B Team hadn’t been having luck with A’s line there was no use trying to get four yards between tackles, even on a third down. The teams were near the middle of the field, and A had three men back, evidently expecting an open play. Then why not——