In a moment more the Army signal was being called out crisply. The whistle sounded, and both elevens were in instant action.
But the cadets failed to get through. The middies were driving them back. In sheer desperation the cadet with the ball turned and dropped behind the Army goal line—-a safety.
CHAPTER XIV
THE NAVY GOAT GRINS
All at once the Navy band chopped out a few swift measures of triumphant melody.
The entire Brigade of Midshipmen cheered under its cheermaster. Thousands of blue and gold Navy banners fluttered through the stands.
That safety had counted two on the score for the Navy.
Given breathing time, the Army now brought the ball out toward midfield, and once more the savage work began. The Navy had gained ten yards, when the time-keeper signaled the end of the first period.
As the players trotted off the Navy was exultant, the Army depressed.
Captain Douglass was scowling.
"You fellows will have to brace!" he snapped. "Are you going to let the little middies run over us?"