"Merriwell!" they howled. "What’s the matter with Merriwell?"
"He’s all right!" came the answer.
"’Rah! ’rah! ’rah! Merriwell! Merriwell! Merriwell!"
Rivermouth watchers seemed too amazed to say anything for a time. Finally they began to tell one another that Rogers had not done his level best.
"He felt too sure," they said. "He might have made a touch-down if he’d let himself out."
The ball was still in the possession of the home team, and the assault on Fardale’s line was resumed.
Rivermouth was fierce now, and they resorted to play that was decidedly yellow. Their first gain was full five yards, but they slugged two of the Fardale players in their plunge. Again the referee declared he had not seen the foul, but the home team was warned on the appeal of Captain Nunn.
The next onslaught was upon Blair, who was not strong enough to withstand it. Again there was rough work, and by this time the fighting blood of the Fardale team seemed aroused.
Being on Fardale’s ten-yard line the home team was confident, and it was discovered with astonishment that two more attempts had not netted a gain worth considering. Then the ball was given to Ryan, who tried to circle the end. Douglass brought him down after he had been blocked by others, and the ball went to Fardale.
The visitors breathed easier, for their goal had been threatened. The danger was still great, and it was thought best to punt.