"Oh, forget it. This week's our last game away from home; after that, we've got two home games, and the season's over."

"You going to make a touchdown for me this week end, Ron?"

"That's what I came up to tell you, Kid. I'm sure going to try. If I make one, it'll be for you."

"What's wrong, Ronnie? Did I do something to make you mad at me or something?"

"No-what put that idea in your head?"

"Well, you're acting so funny and stand-offish tonight that I thought maybe I said or did something that made you mad."

"No, Kid, there's nothing wrong with you. It's me."

"What's wrong?"

"Wrong time of month, I guess. I'll get over it.-And, Kid-I'll make that touchdown for you Saturday."

"And you'll come up and tell me all about it Saturday night?"

"I didn't say that."

"But you will?"

"Yes," Ronnie said unhappily, "I will." He got up and walked blindly from the room without answering the kid's soft good night. Neither Ronnie nor the kid slept well that night.

the

ATE Saturday afternoon, the anxious students could breathe easily once more. Their team had won a close one, 19-14. After the opponents had gone ahead 14-13 midway of the fourth quarter, Ronnie Blevin took the ensuing kickoff back seventy-eight yards for the winning touchdown.

After the wild torchlight celebration of the hard-won victory, Ronnie came by the kid's room. The kid was waiting for him. Ronnie stood silent in the doorway.

"Hey, Ron, I've been waiting for you. Come on in.”

"I better not. But I promised I'd come by and tell you; I made that touchdown for you, Kid."

"What's the matter?"

"Nothing."

"Then why don't you come on in and tell me about it?"

Ronnie came into the room reluctantly, closing the door behind him.

"Aw, Ron, come on. Sit down, why don't you?"

"All right," Ronnie said with an air of resignation. He walked over and sat down.

"Now-tell me all about the game."

"It was a pretty tough game, Kid. I got off a lucky long pass early in the first quarter for a touchdown. They tied it up at the beginning of the second quarter; then in the third quarter, Ed Adams scored on the end around, and we went out front 13-7. When they scored near the middle of the last quarter to go out in front 14-13, I realized that there wouldn't be many more chances to get that touchdown I promised you. I caught the ball on our 22 yard line and got a couple of key blocks; then I cut to the sidelines and took off. That was the game."

"Say, Ron?"

"Yeah?"

"What's wrong between you and me?"

one