Simson was obliged to remonstrate and threaten to take him out. On the
second's twenty yards Neil was given a chance at a goal from placement,
and, in spite of his right shoulder, and to the delight of the coaches,
sent the leather over the bar. When he turned and trotted back up the
field he almost ran over Sydney, who was hobbling blithely about the
gridiron on his crutches.

"Whoa!" cried Neil. "Back up! Hello, Board of Strategy; how do you find
yourself?"

"That was fine, Neil," said Sydney.

"What?"

"That goal."

"Glad you liked it. I was beastly nervous," he laughed. "Had no idea I
could do it. It's so different trying goals in a game; when you're just
off practising it doesn't seem to bother you."

"Oh, you'll do. Gale is growling like a bear because they took him out."

"Is he?" asked Neil. "I'm sorry. Do you know whether he stands a good
show for the game? Have you heard Mills or Devoe say anything about it?"
Sydney shook his head.

"I'm afraid Gillam's got us both boxed," continued Neil. "As for me, I
suppose they'll let me in because I can sometimes kick a goal, but I'm
worried about Paul. If he'd only--Farewell, they are lining up again."