Off at one side, the center, full-back, and a half-back took positions. The center placed the ball on the ground, as far in front of him as he could reach in a stooping position, with his legs wide apart, then snapped it back to the full-back, who caught it and punted it to the half-back at a distance. This was kept up for some time, the half-back punting the ball back, or throwing it by taking hold of the end in a peculiar manner and giving it a sweeping swing.
In the midst of these operations there was another stir, and then a second band of youthful gladiators were seen coming on the run.
"Fardale!" shouted a voice, and then:
"Ha! ha! ha! ’Rah! ’rah! ’rah! Rigger-boom! Zigger-boom! All hail—Fardale! Fardale! Fardale!"
It seemed that the Fardale team shed their sweaters on the run, for they were ready for practise when they reached the gridiron, across which they trotted to the side opposite that on which Viewland was practising.
Even as they came to a pause, the quarter-back was heard calling a signal. Down went a ball, and the players lined up quickly; then there was a snap, a pass, and a forward rush.
Frank Merriwell came onto the field with the team, and he was close to the players as they formed, talking to them all the while. He kept them at work right along, and it was plain to see that the home team moved with more snap and regularity than ever before, each man seeming to know what was expected of him and to do the thing expected. This was calculated to arouse enthusiasm on the part of the Fardale spectators, and it did not fail.
Jabez Lynch was watching, and there was an expression of anxiety on his face. He saw the captain of the visiting team come across and meet Steve Nunn, and from his position Jabez was able to hear some of their talk.
"What are you going to do to us?" asked the Viewland captain.
"We expect to beat you," was the prompt answer.