Fardale came down and lined-up to hold the enemy in check, if possible. But, as Frank Merriwell had expected, Fairport was out for business in this half, and her first assault was of the battering-ram sort, tearing a hole through the home team’s center and making full seven yards.
Buckhart arose covered with dirt and having blood running from his nose. The blood was washed off, and the Texan declared that he was all right.
"Just let’s see if that herd can stampede over me again," he growled. "I reckon I’ll be ready the next time they buck up against me."
"Hold ’em, boys!" urged Steve Nunn.
Ringsdale was saying:
"You know what I want, fellows. I want you right through there, now—right through. Get in lively! Rush it! rush it! Be ready! At ’em! at ’em!"
"Come on!" muttered Buckhart.
The ball was snapped and passed, and this time Cogswell was picked out, being hit by a revolving formation. Fardale’s left guard would not have been able to do much before that rush, but the backs of the team were there to assist him at the right time, and Blair did good work in ripping open the formation. Dick Merriwell went through an opening made by Blair and downed the man with the ball.
This time Fairport had not gained. The Vikings lined up swiftly, the ball went back to Ringsdale, and the captain of the visitors scooted toward Fardale’s left end. It looked like an end-run, but before reaching the end Ringsdale turned and plunged into the line with all the force he could command, being hurled forward by Emerson.
Blair was carried back, and lost Ringsdale, but again Merriwell was on hand, and downed the runner. Four yards had been made.