"Say it, Dick!" exclaimed George, with a grin.
"I want you to know that—that I appreciate your confidence in me," went on Dick, "and I'll do the best I know how."
"Good boy!" cried Lanny, seizing Dick's hand and pumping it enthusiastically. "Now I feel as if I could play some football! Honest, Dick, I've been too worried to even try!"
"Do I—do I begin my duties now?" asked Dick soberly.
"Of course! I suppose the Committee will have to approve, but they'll do that, all right."
"Then," said Dick, "I'll issue my first order."
"Shoot!" laughed Lanny.
"Very well. The First Squad is disbanded."
"Eh?" gasped Lanny.
"What?" exclaimed George.
"Also the Sub Team and the Third Squad," continued Dick calmly. "To-morrow at three o'clock all candidates will report to me on the field dressed to play."
"What—what's the idea?" asked Gordon.
"We're going to start over," returned Dick quietly, "and any fellow who wants a place on the team has got to work for it!"
