Page:The secret play (1915).djvu/89

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you who aren't willing to do that had better tell me now and empty your lockers. There's going to be plenty of hard work for some time, perhaps all the season; drudging work that isn't exciting or spectacular but that you've got to go through with if you expect to face Springdale. I'd like every one of you who goes on the field presently to do it with your mind made up to do what you're told without question and to do it cheerfully. That's the only way you and I can work together to any sort of success."

Dick nodded to Lanny and swung himself toward the door, but paused there, for Lanny was talking.

"That's good straight talk, fellows," Lanny was saying earnestly, "and I second it. But Coach Lovering mustn't think he can frighten us by talking hard work to us, for he can't. We expect to work hard and we want to work hard. We want to get back at Springdale this year and wipe out what happened last, fellows, and we aren't going to mind anything that happens so long as we can face Springdale in November with an even chance to win!"

The applause greeting that sentiment was spontaneous and hearty.