“If we’re to win that game we’ve got to play on the defensive; we’ve got to stop tackle-back and rely on an end run now and then and lots of punting to get us within goal distance.  Then our play is to score by a quick run or a field-goal.  The offense we’re working up—­we’ll call it close-formation for want of a better name—­is, we think, the best we can find.  The idea is to open holes quickly and jab a runner through before our heavier and necessarily slower opponents can concentrate their weight at the point of attack.  For the close-formation we have, I think, plays covering every phase.  And so, while a good offensive strategy will be welcome, yet what we stand in greatest need of is a play to stop Robinson’s tackle-tandem.  Now you apparently have ability in this line, Mr. Burr; and, what’s more, you have the time to study the thing up.  Supposing you try your hand and see what you can do.  If you can find what we want—­something that the rest of us can’t find, by the way—­you’ll be doing as much, if not more, than any of us toward securing a victory over Robinson.  And don’t hesitate to come and see me if you find yourself in a quandary or whenever you’ve got anything to show.”

And Sydney trundled himself back to his room and sat up until after midnight puzzling his brains over the tackle-tandem play, finally deciding that a better understanding of the play was necessary before he could hope to discover its remedy.  When he crawled into bed and closed his tired eyes it was to see a confused jumble of orange-hued lines and circles running riot in the darkness.

CHAPTER XIV

MAKES A CALL

Despite Neil’s absence from Erskine Field, preparation for the crowning conflict of the year went on with vigor and enthusiasm.  The ranks of the coaches were swelled from day to day by patriotic alumni, some of whom were of real help, others of whom merely stood around in what Devoe called their “store clothes” and looked wonderfully wise.  Some came to stay and took up quarters in the village, but the most merely tarried overnight, and, having unburdened themselves to Mills and Devoe of much advice, went away again, well pleased with their devotion to alma mater.

The signals in use during the preliminary season had now been discarded in favor of the more complicated system prepared for the “big game.”  Each day there was half an hour of secret practise behind closed gates, after which the assistant coaches emerged looking very wise and very solemn.  The make-up of the varsity eleven had changed not a little since the game with Woodby, and was still being changed.  Some positions were, however, permanently filled.  For instance, Browning had firmly established his right to play left-guard, while the deposed Carey found a role eminently suited to him at right tackle.  Stowell became first choice for center, and the veteran Graham went over to the second team.  Stone at left end, Tucker at left tackle, Devoe at right end, and Foster at quarter, were fixtures.