contested, than this of the two rival schools. All through the first
half they fought each other without scoring.

Once St. Timothy’s had got down to St. John’s fifteen-yard line, but
then had been unable to go farther, and Dennison had missed by only a
few feet his try for a goal from the field.

Early in the second half St. Timothy’s met with misfortune. Dennison was
laid out by a hard tackle; when at last he got to his feet, he limped
badly. Louis Collingwood took him by the arm and walked round with him;
Dennison was arguing, protesting. But Collingwood led him towards the
side-line, patting him on the back, and called “Westby!”

The spectators cheered the injured player who came off so reluctantly;
then they cheered Westby as he ran out upon the field. Irving was near
the group of substitutes when Dennison hobbled in.

“Hurt much, Denny?” asked Briggs.

“No—just that same old ankle—hang it all!” Dennison slipped into a
blanket and lowered himself painfully to the ground.

Irving’s eyes were upon Westby; he hoped that this time the boy would
not fail. Westby had an opportunity now to steady his nerves; it was St.
Timothy’s ball and only the first down. Collingwood gave the signal;
Irving watched closely, saw Westby take the ball on the pass and dive
into the line. In a moment all the St. Timothy’s eleven seemed to be
behind him, hurling him through, and St. Timothy’s on the side-lines
waved and shouted, for Westby had gained five yards.