CHAPTER XV
THE “TOUGH BUNCH”
No one seemed satisfied with the day’s performance. The First resented the enemy’s gains through their line and the Second declared stoutly that if they had been taught a decent defense against forward-passes the First would never have scored. Arnold told Toby later that Coach Lyle had read the riot act afterwards. “I didn’t know he could be so rude,” said Arnold sadly.
“Why didn’t you get in to-day?” Toby asked from the window-seat where, propped on many cushions, he looked pale and interesting.
“Lyle wanted to give you fellows a show.”
“Well, Bates didn’t do a whole lot,” said Toby. “You’re pretty punk, Arn, but you’ve got it over him. Gee, if I hadn’t made that rotten fumble on the fifty yards that time we might have held you fellows to a measly six points!”
“Yes, not! Son, that fumble of yours didn’t affect the game a mite. It was forward-passing that beat you chaps. Your ends were no good at all. Even your friend Mr. Tubb was fast asleep.”
“I know. We’ve got no sort of a defense for forward-passes. I called the turn on that second one, but Farquhar was away out of position and Tubb let Roover get right by him. You wait another week, though! We’re getting your measure, Arn! What about to-morrow? Are you going to play?”