Newton had been playing back of the line, and he bothered Dick, who dodged first one way and then the other in the attempt to get past. Then Dick made a daring dash, saw Nelson leap outstretched, felt his touch, but sped on.
Only one man remained between Dick and the Rivermouth goal. That was Hurting, who had been playing back in case Fardale attempted a surprise kick.
Hurting cut in on Dick, forcing him toward the center of the field. But it was seen that Merriwell stood a fair show of getting past the full-back. This Dick accomplished and Fardale rose to roar, when something happened.
Dick never knew what his foot struck, but he slipped and went down like a flash. Up he sprang, but, before he could get under way again, Hurting had reached him and he was flung full length, eighteen yards from the desired goal. Those who knew how near the end of the game was drawing said Fardale had lost her last chance.
When Dick arose he found he had turned his ankle, which pained him sharply; but he set his teeth and said not a word.
The home team was desperate when it lined up so near its own goal, and the attacks of the cadets were utterly lacking in strength to make a gain. Captain Nunn believed the only chance was to get through for a touch-down, and his persistence resulted in the loss of the ball after the limit in efforts had been reached.
Rivermouth started right in to bear Fardale back. The first rush gained more than five yards. Then the ball went round the end for five more.
And then happened another lucky thing for Fardale. On her thirty-yard line Rivermouth fumbled, and Kane came through and got the ball.
"It’s all right, fellows," said Captain Rogers. "There is only about one minute more of play, and they can’t score."
Rogers had been tipped to the time. His words were heard by the keen ears of Dick Merriwell, who instantly appealed to Nunn for the privilege of trying to kick a goal.