"Tough luck!" groaned Ned.
"Oh, we're going to win—I'm sure of it!" answered Randy.
"I hope what you say proves true," returned Ruth, hopefully.
Just before the whistle was given for the end of the third quarter there had been a grand crash and a fierce mix-up on the field. Then it was found that both a Columbus Academy player and a Colby Hall youth would have to be taken out of the game.
"Now then, Fred, here's your chance," said Gif, coming up to the youngest Rover. "I'm going to put you in, and I want you to help us win the game."
"Win it is!" cried Fred, his eyes shining eagerly. "We'll either win or we'll die!"
When the whistle blew for the final quarter, all of the players who trooped on the field had a do-or-die expression on their faces. Once more the play became fast and furious, and, as a result, in less than three minutes Columbus Academy scored another touchdown, which, however, failed of a goal.
"Hurrah! That's the way to do it!" yelled their followers in keen delight.
"Brace up, boys! brace up! This won't do at all. Come on now, all together!" And then Colby Hall went in with renewed vigor so that inside of a few minutes more they, too, had scored another touchdown, and from this they managed to kick a goal.
"Hello! what do you know about that! Another tie!"