This year Dave was second captain of the eleven, ready to lead to victory if Dick should become incapacitated.
Beyond these, any of the four other chums were almost as well qualified for leadership.

Ability to lead was strong in all the "partners" of Dick & Co.
While they were on the field that afternoon all of the six worked as though football were the sole subject on earth that interested them.

That was the Gridley High School way, and it was the spirit that Coach Morton always succeeded in putting into worthy young men.

Once back in dressing quarters, however, and under the shower baths, the talk turned but little on football.
As soon as they had rubbed down and dressed Dick & Co.

went outside and started back to town---on foot.