Then the scrimmage was on in earnest. As soon as the play had
properly developed Mr. Morton blew his whistle, for this was
practice only in the signal part.
Then Hudson took the ball and Dalzell called off:
"Nine---eight---thirteen---two!"
Again the ball was put in play, to be stopped after ten seconds.
So it went on through the afternoon's work. The substitutes on
the side lines watched with deep interest, for they, too, had
to learn all the signal work.
Within three afternoons of practice Dick had nearly all of his
players so that they knew every signal, and were instantly ready
to execute their parts in whatever was called for.
But there was no danger of knowing the signals too well. Captain
Prescott still called out the squad and gave signal work unceasingly.
"The Gridley boys never jumped so swiftly to carry out their signals
before, Captain," spoke Mr. Morton commendingly.
"I want to have this line of work ahead of anything that Tottenville
can show next Saturday," Dick replied.
"I guess you have the Tottenville boys beaten all right," nodded
Mr. Morton.
Tottenville High School always gave one of the stiffest games
that Gridley had to meet. This season Tottenville was first on
the list. Prescott's young men knew that they had a stiff fight.
It was to take place on the Gridley grounds---that was comfort
to the home eleven.
The entire student body was now feeling the enthusiasm of the
opening of the season on Saturday.
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