Frank Merriwell's Setback; Or, True Pluck Welcomes Defeat

by Burt L. Standish

He could dodge and twist as cleverly as Merriwell himself, and he could stop with a suddenness that was startling. Nearly every other player had at some time during the game been thrown from his feet, some receiving jarring falls, but nothing apparently could overthrow Dade Morgan.

In the next two minutes of play Beckwith’s men secured another goal through the fine work of Morgan, making the score five in their favor to four for the Merriwells.

Then how the friends of Morgan yelled! Bink and Danny tried to lift a song of encouragement for Merriwell’s men, but it was drowned in the roar that went up for Morgan.

Dade’s face was darkly flushed, his eyes were shining brightly and the smile had deepened. He began to see the possibility of defeating Merriwell’s men. If he could do that, he felt that it would reinstate him in the good graces of all his former friends, and perhaps give him the unquestioned leadership of the freshmen. That would, he fancied, humiliate both Starbright and Merriwell.

The game had begun nearly an hour late, and the short day was rapidly drawing to a close. But none of the players, none of the spectators, noticed this, so great was their interest and excitement. The spectators had come out expecting a good game, but not prepared for such bulldog and wildcat style of hockey-fighting. It was worth going miles to witness.

Again the play was on, with the groups round the cleared space crowding as close up as they were permitted, and all howling for their favorites and vociferously applauding.

Now and then through the uproar could be heard the shrill squeals of Bink and Danny as they piped for Merriwell.

After a fierce struggle Merriwell secured the puck in the open and made a rush of the entire length of the rink, dodging three opponents and scoring a beautiful goal, tieing the score, which was now five to five.

In the next play Beckwith’s men forced the puck to the flags of their opponents and made a desperate effort to get another goal. But they failed to get by Browning. Time after time his wonderful lifting and stopping sent the puck from his goal.

Then Beckwith’s men made another effort, and sent the puck between the flags with a high shot which was instantly protested. It had been made by Ned Silver, and no one thought that Silver had tried to cheat; but the rules provided that no player should raise his stick above his shoulder, and Silver had done that.