“Exactly! Go out and play full-back as it should be played. Scientifically. According to your ideas. Prove there’s something in it, McNatt. Afterwards you can talk and they’ll listen.” McNatt drew his hands from his trousers pockets and rubbed them thoughtfully together. “I wonder if it could be done,” he muttered. “You see, Harmon, it isn’t the playing of one position that counts, but the conduct of the whole game, the--the _modus operandi_. And yet--” He relapsed into silence again. “Being there, though, right on hand, would help, wouldn’t it?” Willard asked. “I mean, you’d be in a better position to offer your advice and aid. And maybe you might play full-back so well that they’d realize that--that science has its place in football.” “Do you know,” exclaimed McNatt quite excitedly, “you almost persuade me to try it, Harmon! By golly, you do! This man that is coaching this year--I forget his name--; is he the sort you can talk to? You know some of these coaches are so--so _set_! You can’t get them to listen to anything at all!” “I don’t think Mr. Cade is that sort,” replied Willard reassuringly. “I’d say he was quite open to conviction, McNatt. In fact--” and here Willard smiled to himself--“in fact, I think I can promise that he will listen to anything that promises success for the team. There’s one thing, though, that might bother you, old chap. You’ve been out of training a good while and of course condition’s got a heap to do with playing football well.” McNatt shook his head impatiently. “My condition’s all right,” he answered. “I’ll have to read up on the new rules, though. They’ve made several changes since I played before. I suppose I ought to see Myers and tell him I’ve changed my mind.” “I’ve got a rules book,” said Willard, “and I’ll bring it over to you the first thing in the morning. As for telling Myers, I wouldn’t trouble. I’m quite likely to run across him myself this evening and I’ll pass the good word to him if you like.” “I’d be very much obliged,” answered McNatt gratefully, “but don’t go out of your way, please. Funny you should turn up here tonight, Harmon. I’m glad you did, though, I really am. I wouldn’t have realized what an opportunity this thing affords me if you hadn’t!” CHAPTER XVII M’NATT JOINS THE TEAM