Not more than twenty yards did Dick have to run after passing Emerson. As he put the ball down behind Fairport’s line he became aware for the first time that the great crowd was roaring. His eyes saw the red and black fluttering everywhere. Then he heard the organized cheering-squad burst forth with Fardale’s "Rigger-boom! zigger-boom!" ending with his name.
"Merriwell!" they shrieked. "Merriwell! Merriwell!"
Captain Nunn came tearing up and flung his arms round Dick.
"Merriwell, you’re a dandy!" he shouted, in supreme delight. "That was the greatest run I ever saw!"
"That’s what it was!" agreed Brad Buckhart. "Just threw his head back like a wild mustang, shook out his mane, and tore up the turf with his hoofs. Whoop!"
The ball was brought out. Dick was chosen to kick, while Steve held it. Dick took the wind into consideration, and kicked with care. As the ball rose, however, a sudden gust caught it and carried it to one side.
"A miss!" gasped the Fardale crowd.
"A miss!" shouted the Fairport spectators.
"It’s all over!" shouted a loud-voiced cadet.
The wind had not veered it quite enough to carry it past the part of the post that rose above the bar at one side. It barely brushed that post, but went over on the right side, and the score was tied.