But the interview wasn’t unpleasant, after all. Mr. Bonner made him comfortable in a deep armchair, and for the first twenty minutes kept the conversation far from football. Somewhat to his surprise, Monty found himself telling about a summer camping trip to the Big Horns, with the football coach listening with real interest. When he had finished, Mr. Bonner said: “I’d like mighty well to do that very thing some time, Crail, but I don’t suppose I ever shall. You must tell me some more about your part of the country some day. Well, now let’s see. Think you learned anything today?”
Monty frowned ruefully. “I don’t think I did, sir,” he answered.
“Oh, I guess you did,” replied the coach cheerfully. “Let’s find out. Suppose your team’s on the defensive. Where would you stand?”
“Behind center,” said Monty doubtfully.
“Well, how far behind?”
“Caner stood about six yards usually, sir.”
“Why?”
“So he could see what was coming, and stop it.”
“Right. That’s where he has an advantage over the other backs, Crail. He must be guided by the center, though. If his center plays up in the line he will be further in himself. In other words, the fullback measures his distance from his center, and not from his line. You see you did learn something after all.”