"They’re going to make another try to kick a goal!" exclaimed a Fardale spectator.
It seemed that he was right.
Rivermouth apparently prepared to resist Fardale’s rush, while Hurting fell back as if to kick. There was a hush. Rogers was heard repeating the numbers.
A sudden move, and the ball was snapped back. Mercer turned like a flash and passed it to Newton, instead of to Hurting.
Newton went leaping across toward Fardale’s right end, and around him massed the interferers. This mass struck Stanton again, just when the attack was not expected.
Around the man with the ball the attacking wedge revolved, and Fardale seemed unable to tear it to pieces in time to stop the steady advance.
Just when, at the last moment, it seemed that Fardale had held the enemy, Newton was shot out of the formation and rammed over Fardale’s line for a touch-down.
Then the Rivermouth crowd roared and roared, and went wild with satisfaction. The ball had been carried over at the corner of the field, and Rivermouth decided to punt out, as it would be difficult to make a goal if it were brought out. Fardale lined up at the distance, and Rogers kicked the ball out.
Dick Merriwell had been stationed where it was thought he might be able to spoil this effort; but Hurting caught the ball fairly, which gave Rivermouth a chance to kick for a goal.
"He didn’t do it that time, did he?" muttered Fletcher, grinning in spite of himself.