But, in spite of everything, a fumble enabled a Viking to get the ball and carry it to Fardale’s twenty-yard line, where another field-kick was tried. This time the wind spoiled the kick, a gust taking the ball just outside the posts, and the score remained the same—11 to 6 in favor of the visitors.
It was necessary now for Fardale to do some desperate work to win. When the ball had been carried to Fairport’s thirty-five-yard line and held there, Dick asked leave to try a kick from the field.
"It will tie," he said; "and that may save us from defeat."
Captain Nunn consented, and young Merriwell made a handsome kick before the chargers broke through and downed him.
Over the bar went the ball, and the score was tied.
"That’s all to-day," said a witness. "Nothing more will happen. There is not two minutes to play."
"Well," said another, "Fairport is the first team this season to hold Fardale down to a tie."
The Vikings kicked off, and the ball came into the hands of Dick Merriwell, who took it on a sharp run. Marley missed Dick by an inch, and away flew Fardale’s left half-back, turning to the right. Singleton was behind, Shannock did not get started soon enough, and it seemed that Mullen would nab Dick.
Then, from somewhere, up bobbed Hal Darrell in a most surprising manner, and he put his shoulder into Mullen, bowling the tackler over.
It did not seem that the shock stopped Darrell in the least. On he dashed with Merriwell, turning when Dick turned, seeming to think Dick’s thoughts, and ever he was in the way of the tacklers who sought to reach the runner.