Page:The Winning Touchdown.djvu/33

Rh the unwelcome news, my captain," and, though Bricktop was smiling, there was a sober look in his blue eyes.

"Yes, we've heard it," answered Kindlings, shortly. "Is it true?"

"It is, my captain, and it's infernally sorry I am to have to confirm it. But I've got to go, and that right soon."

"Um!" murmured the captain. "Well, the sooner the quicker, I suppose. Kerr goes this week, also."

"What! Kerr going?" Bricktop was manifestly surprised.

"His father's sick—Europe—Ed's going with him," disjointedly declaimed Tom.

"Whew!" whistled the Irish lad. "Now I sure am sorry I'm leavin'. Not that I'm any better than any other player, my captain, but I know what it means to take two men out of the team at this late day."

"You're not throwing any bouquets at yourself," spoke Dan. "It's the worst blow Randall has had in a long time. We were just at the point where we had begun to gain ground after the long practice, and now" he shrugged his shoulders.

"Is there no way you can stay on?" asked Phil, softly.

Bricktop shook his head.

"It means a big thing to me," he declared. "I