CHAPTER XXII
A SWIM AND SOME SNAKES
The majority of the cadets were now inclined to think that Rockley's team would win the contest. They had seen Tom's followers sneezing, but thought this might come from the dampness of the ground.
"Don't give in, Tom!" cried Sam, dancing around. "You've got to beat him!"
"Bah! you act like a monkey," said Lew Flapp. "Rockley's fellows are bound to win."
In the meantime the rope was moving rapidly backward and forward. Once
Rockley and his men had Tom's team dangerously close to the line. But
Tom ordered a drop and there the team clung, refusing to budge an inch
further.
"Time is almost up," said George Strong. "Three minutes more!"
"Up!" cried Rockley.
"Up and pull for all you are worth!" cried Tom. "Pull, I tell you! Make every ounce of muscle count!"
And pull Tom's team did as never before, and Tom with them, watching for the first sign of returning weakness. But the team was now on its mettle and made the Rockleys come over the line in spite of the frantic orders from Rockley himself to drop.