Page:Georgie by Dorothea Deakin, 1906.djvu/213

The Gladiators "That kind of spirit goes a long way towards victory, doesn't it?" I asked mildly. "I thought you yourself—"

Georgie moved impatiently.

My kind's different," said he quickly. "It's a higher sort. Mine makes me sick to think of the way they're going to wipe the ground with us. There's esprit-de-corps and esprit-de-corps! And I've got the sense to know when we're out-classed. The score will play old Harry with our season's record."

"I see."

"And it'll discourage the new members. There are some very promising chaps coming on for next season, and it damps off beginners like anything to be badly beaten. Discourages 'em like old boots. I'd give a good deal to see Jimmy's old mug amongst us on Saturday."

"Is he too bad to play?" I asked incautiously.

Georgie brought his tilting chair down with a crash and stared at me.

"By Jove!" said he. 197