But Warne made a skilful pass to Jordan, who was going in the opposite direction. Dick Merriwell had seen the pass, and he made a leap to get at Jordan when he came round. But Dick was fooled then, for Young was in a position to take the ball from Jordan, who kept right on toward the left end of Fardale’s line, as if still retaining possession of the leather.
These movements had caused Fardale to leave an opening right through her center, and Young went through like a streak.
Dick was on the point of tackling Jordan as the left half-back came round, when he discovered the fellow didn’t have the ball. Then Dick turned and saw Young going for Fardale’s goal-line like the wind.
Without a word, setting his teeth, Merriwell started after Viewland’s full-back. Young was doing his best, but the spectators saw the pursuer gain on him swiftly. Nevertheless, it seemed that Young must make a touch-down before he could be stopped.
"Merriwell!" roared the Fardale crowd. "Merriwell! Merriwell!"
With the leaps of a frightened greyhound, Dick Merriwell bore down on Young. Drawing near, he launched himself at the full-back, clutched him, and dragged him to earth. Then others came piling upon them, and the ball was down three yards from Fardale’s line.
It was a play to set both sides wild, and cheer followed cheer.
But again Fardale’s goal was in great danger, and Viewland was happy.
"Hold ’em!" begged Captain Nunn, as the defenders lined up. "Stick your toes in, everybody! Don’t let them have an inch."
And they obeyed him as far as Viewland’s first effort was concerned, and the visitors had made no gain on that down. But the heavy line told in the next attack, and the ball was jammed to within a foot of Fardale’s line.