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 "It isn't expected to work more than once," answered Dick, "and then, as you understand, Chester, only under certain conditions that may not happen. I've mulled it over a lot, and I realize that it's risky, but if we pull it off—or try to—we'll be where it's going to be necessary to take a risk. And, after all, fellows, more games are lost by avoiding risks than by taking them."

"If it comes to that," said Lanny, "we won't have anything to lose by that play if it goes wrong. It's to be used on third down, you know."

"Sure, but wouldn't another play be more certain?" asked Chester.

"A forward pass?" inquired Lanny.

"Not necessarily. That direct pass to fullback for an end run, for instance. That's a hard play to size-up because it's hidden until the runner gets started. I like that play and I think it's going to work any number of times. But this 'Secret Play,' as you call it"

"I don't call it that; I call it Number 10," remonstrated Dick.

"Well, whatever you call it, I don't see what's to keep Springdale from tearing through on it and smothering it 'way behind our line."