Dick dashed to meet the fellow. He doubted if it would be possible to hold Sampson if he made a fair tackle. Therefore, as Sampson came round the end Dick charged him at full speed, plunged into him heavily and bowled him over.
The ball flew from Sampson’s hands.
Dick had expected the shock, and he recovered in a most amazing manner. With a dive, he caught up the ball and leaped away.
A New Era man grabbed for him. He thrust out his hand, caught the fellow under the chin and pushed him off with a thrust that actually lifted him off his feet.
Another came down on Dick, but Merriwell was like a cat on his feet and dodged away.
“I must do it!” thought Dick, as he darted toward the enemy’s goal-line.
They were after him. They sought to pen him in. He flew through them. The cadets rose on their seats and roared.
“Go, Merriwell!” they shrieked. “Go on, Merriwell!”
Considering the condition of the field, considering the fact that there were pools of water and the ground was wet and slippery, Dick’s speed was surprising. His dodging was even more surprising. It seemed that Dick was certain of getting through for a touchdown.
Austin cut down on him from one direction. Dick got past the visiting full-back. Then, with a clear field before him, he turned to make straight for the goal.