That night, after supper--a meal full of nervous laughter and assumed spirits--two or three of the older coaches came in, and their spirit of hopefulness somehow communicated itself to the team. Other Yale elevens had risen at the last moment and snatched a victory--why not theirs? It lay with them, and during the week they certainly had forged ahead. Dink felt the infection and became almost convinced. Then Tompkins, moving around as the spirit of confidence, signaled him. "Come out here; I want a little pow-wow with you." They left the others and went out on the dim lawns with the lighted club-house at their backs, and Tompkins, drawing his arm through Stover's, began to speak: "Dink, we're in for a licking." "Oh, I say!" said Stover, overwhelmed. "But we have come on; we've come fast." "Stover, that's a great Princeton team," said Tompkins quietly, "and we're a weak Yale one. We're going to get well licked. Now, boy, I'm telling you this because I think you're the stuff to stand it; because you'll play better for knowing what's up to you." "I see." "It's going to depend a whole lot on you--how you hold up your end--how badly we're licked." "I know I'm the weak spot," said Stover, biting his lips. "You're a darn good player," said Tompkins, "and you're going to leave a great name for yourself; but this year you've had to be sacrificed. You've been put where you are because you've got nerve and a head. Now this is what I want from you. Know what you're up against and make your brain control that nerve--understand?" "Yes, I do." "You've got to do the kicking in the second half as well as in the first. You've got to keep your strength and not break it against a wall. You won't be called on for much rushing in the first half; you'll get a chance later. The line may go to pieces, the secondary defense may go to pieces; but, boy, if _you_ go to pieces, we'll be beaten thirty to nothing." "As bad as that!" "Every bit." "That's awful--a Yale team." He drew a long breath and then said: "What do you want me to do?" "I want you to get off every punt without having it blocked; and that's a good deal, with what you're up against." "Yes, sir." "And hold on to every punt that comes to you--no fumbling." "No fumbling--yes, sir." "And kick as you've never kicked before--every kick better as you go on. Put your whole soul into it." "I will." "You won't miss a tackle--I know that; but you'll have some pretty rum ones to make, and when you tackle, make them remember it." "Yes, sir."