Page:The Winning Touchdown.djvu/123

Rh "Yes, you have to stick up for Fairview," declared Phil, "but wait and see." He spoke confidently, yet there was an uneasy feeling in his heart, Both Boxer and Fairview had stronger teams than ever before.

The little party walked on, laughing and chatting, discussing the game at intervals. Phil had a chance to speak to his sister away from the others for a moment, and took advantage of the opportunity, to ask:

"Langridge hasn't been pestering you with any of his attentions lately, has he, Ruth?"

"Indeed he hasn't!" she exclaimed vigorously. "And if he does, Phil, I hope you won't do as you did before, and make the other girls and me ridiculous."

"I didn't mean to do that," replied the quarterback, "only I'm not going to have him mixing in with anyone I care for."

"And I presume that is intended as much for Madge as it is for me!" whispered Ruth, with a laugh at her brother's blushes, which were visible under the bronze of his tan.

"Oh, don't—" he began, and then the others came up.

"Well, what about us, fellows?" asked Tom, when the inseparables were in their room that night, rather sore and tired from the game.

"We can't pat ourselves on the back, and vote