And he was sorely needed. Buttons had been injured in the second scrimmage, and Bart was forced to use Bronson, while the crowd yelled for Fred. No one could explain his absence, and the rumor started that he had been kidnapped by Landon. But Bronson was playing splendidly, and Baxter, though not able to score, was holding Landon. "If we can only find Fred before the second half, we'll win!" exclaimed Sandow. And he and Hal corralled a score of boys and went in search of the missing half-back. Up and down the field the ball went, getting ever nearer the Baxter goal line. But to the relief of the home team supporters, time was called with the ball on the twenty-yard line. The players knew, however, that they could scarcely hope to hold Landon during the second half, and it was a heart-heavy eleven that returned to the field. Scarcely had the play begun than Sandow and Hal ran in front of the Baxter stands. "We've found him! Fred's dressing!" they yelled. Mighty was the roar that greeted these announcements, and as the yellow-haired boy dashed onto the field, the people in the Baxter stands cheered joyously. "I've a good mind not to let you play, you sneaking sulker," hissed Bart, as his rival came up to him. "Sulker nothing! I had to show my father's lawyer where to find Charlie Gibbs so they could arrest him," retorted Fred. At the words, spoken low so that only he should hear them, for even in his joy Fred was considerate of his rival's feelings, the bully's face went white, and he staggered as though struck. "Oh! Oh! I'm sick! I'm sick!" Bart gasped, and sank to the ground in utter collapse. Quickly the officials gathered round, while doctors, masters and grads ran out from the side lines. "He's done for!" declared Sandow. "Mr. Vining, name Fred acting captain. He may save the day." This the headmaster quickly did. "Bronson, take Bart's place at full back," ordered Fred. "Come on, now, boys. This is Baxter's year. Show 'em how we can get the ball." The boy's words put new life into the Team, and when the Landon centre put the ball in play, Fred was put through an opening made by Tompkins and on top of the full back, who was ready to kick, knocking the ball from him, while Taffy fell on it. "Well done, Baxter!" roared their supporters. Calling for the ball to be passed to him, Fred again found the hole made by Tompkins, was through the Landon line and dodging the backs, almost before the visiting players knew it. "Oh, you Cotton-Top!" howled the Baxter rooters. "Stop him! Down him!" yelled Landon. Only the opposing full back was between Fred and the goal line, but that player was charging at the yellow-haired boy like a maddened bull. Suddenly the Landon man dove at Fred. Scarcely breathing, the spectators watched. But the half-back had been expecting the move, and, leaping in the air and to one side, he escaped the outstretched arms and raced unhindered across the goal line.