The next assault was on Buckhart, and, although the Texan was expecting it, two yards were made. Fairport had made her distance.
"Got to stop this business!" said Captain Nunn. "Ready, everybody! Watch out! watch out!"
"Right through! right through!" came from Ringsdale. "Keep them going! They’re easy!"
Marley was given the ball, and he sprinted toward Fardale’s right end. But Ringsdale’s trick was tried, and he turned and smashed into the line, giving Stanton a shock. Stanton could not stand before it, but Darrell escaped Gilson and brought Marley down with a gain of three yards.
There was no let up in this style of work. The ball went to Emerson, who came plunging into the center of the line, hurled forward by both Marley and Ringsdale. Despite the fact that Buckhart had been watching for this, full four yards were secured.
And thus Fairport continued the attack until the center of the field had been reached and passed.
This kind of playing was hard on the line, and Fardale began to show signs of wavering. Nunn talked to his men, and Frank Merriwell, on the sidelines, seemed to betray some anxiety.
On Fardale’s forty-yard line a fortunate thing happened, for Coleman fumbled a pass and lost the ball. Before he could drop on it, Kane was sprawling over the oval. This fumble came at a time when it seemed the Vikings were liable to break through any moment and carry everything before them.
There was a brief pause for the water-bucket to go round, and then Fardale prepared for the offensive.
"26—28—F—203—100—3," was the signal, and the tackles-back formation was made.