A FOOTBALL INCIDENT.

White Ribbon, Volume 32, Issue 376, 18 October 1926, Page 12

A FOOTBALL INCIDENT.

CHAPTER I. “Yes. Mother,” said Jack Waters, as he hung up his cap, “I’ve got my place in the Senior Reps., and we leave to-morrow’ for the South. You won’t mind being left will you? “Certainly not, my boy. I’m so proud of you, and I know you will make me yet prouder of you by your conduct, both on and off the field.” Mrs Waters thought long, and prayed earnestly that night. Jack was her only son. growing ever more like the father who had filled a drunkard's grave, ere his little son could lisp his name. Jack had often wondered at his mother’s strict temperance principles, but never had she told him of his father’s fate. To-

night she felt comforter! by the thought that the Captain of the football team, —a scholar, an athlete, and a born leader, idolised bv his team —was the son of well-known leader in the Temperance Cause. That same night, the Captain's mother, as she wished her son “Goodnight” said. “1 wish you a good trip a good game, and a victorious return. Remember, son, that others follow where you lead, not only on the football field, but round the Social Board.” “Good old Mum,” smile*! the Captain, “Don’t worry.” You pledged me like Samson of old to drink no wine or strong drink, and I shall not break that pledge.” CHAPTER It. It was evening after the match, and the Northern team were celebrating their victory around the festal Board. Strict training rules w**re relaxed for once, and all were **njoying their freedom. Then came the toasts, glasses wore being filled with wine. Jack Waters dreaded to be laughed at, and wondered if mother would mind if he put his lips to the Then he saw his Captain turn his glass down, and heard him say: “No thank you. I drink my toasts in water. I am always in training, because I must keep fit.” Jack’s brow clean'd, with a gay laugh his glass was turned over, and he said: “What suits Captain is good enough for me.” Several others did the same, and those who took wine, used it sparingly. They could do no other with their Captain’s glass of water before them, and the Captain piloted a clearheaded, bright-eyed team to the train for the homeward trip. CHAPTER 111. Jack Waters told his mother the story of the match, and very proud was she to hear that he had scored a try which his Captain had converted into a goal. Also, he told the story of that dinner party. The Captain’s mother opened a letter, addressed in a strange handwriting. It was from Mrs Waters. “I cannot refrain from telling you how much I appreciate your son’s action at the football dinner. My boy, is one to whom alcohol is, a hereditary poison. He does not know this, and, but for his Captain’s example, might have yielded to temp-

tation ami broken his Temperance Pledge.” Silently, she handed the letter to her son. remarking: “Leadership is a privilege, hut it carries responsibilities with it.” And, as he handed it back, he quietly said: “It pays to lead your men straight on life’s battlefield, as well as on the football field.”