We'll try him in the 'antidote.'" But contrary to the hopes of the head coach, Neil showed no improvement.
His playing was slow, and he seemed to go at things in a half-hearted way far removed from his usual dash and vim.

Even the signals appeared to puzzle him at times, and more than once Foster turned upon him in surprise.
"Say, what the dickens is the matter with you, Neil ?" he whispered once.
Neil showed surprise.
"Why, nothing; I'm all right." "Well, I'm glad you told me," grumbled the quarter-back, "for I'd never have guessed it, my boy." Before the end of the ten minutes of open practise was over Neil had managed to make so many blunders that even the fellows on the seats noticed and remarked upon it.

Later, when the singing and cheering were over and the gates were closed behind the last marching freshman, Neil found himself in hot water.

The coaches descended upon him in a small army, and he stood bewildered while they accused him of every sin in the football decalogue.

Devoe took a hand, too, and threatened to put him off if he didn't wake up.
"Play or get off the field," he said.