But the cold, wet days, little Bug's illness, and the hard
study to keep up his class standing, took all of his time.
Especially, the study, that he might not be shut out of the great
football game of the year on Thanksgiving day. Sunrise was stiff
in its scholastic requirements, and conscientious to the last degree.
The football team stood on mental ability and moral honor,
no less than on scientific skill and muscular weight and cunning.
Dr. Fenneben watched Burleigh carefully, for the boy seemed to be always
on his heart. The Dean knew how to mix common sense and justice
into his rulings, so the word was sent quietly from the head office--
the suggestion of leniency in the matter of Burleigh's absence.
Burleigh was good for it. It lay with his professors, of course,
to grant or withhold scholarship ranking, but the Dean would
be pleased to have all latitude given in Burleigh's case.

Bug was better now, and Vic was burning midnight oil in study,
for the hours of practice for the game were doubled.

On the evening before Thanksgiving the coach called Vic aside.

"Everything is safe. Only one report not in, but it will be
in tomorrow." the coach declared. "I asked Professor Burgess
about your standing, and he says your grades are away above average.
He's got to reckon up your absent marks, but that's easy.
All the teachers understand about that. I guess Dean Funnybone
fixed 'em. And now, Vic, the honor of Sunrise rests on you.
If you fail us, we're lost. Can I count on you?"

The tiger light was behind the long black lashes under the heavy black brows,
as Vic shut his white teeth tightly.