Fifteen minutes later there was a loud popping sound. Then a tire flattened out, so that it became necessary for the young men to get out and busy themselves with putting on another tire. At this task they did not succeed very well until, finally, another automobilist came along and gave the boys effective help.
So it was that, by the time the pair reached Tottenville, housed the car at a garage, and reached Tottenville's High School athletic field, the game was well on.
As the two young men reached the grand stand the Gridley contingent were on their feet, breathless.
Gridley had the ball down to the ten-yard line from Tottenville's goal. Captain Wadleigh's signals were ringing out, crisp and clear. A whistle sounded.
Then the ball was put swiftly into play. Tottenville put up a sturdy resistance against Gridley's left end.
Dave Darrin had the ball, and appeared to be trying to break through the Tottenville line, well backed by Gridley's interference.
Of a sudden there was a subtle, swift pass, and Gridley's left end darted along, almost parallel with the ten-yard line, then made a dashing cut around and past Tottenville.
Two of the home team tackled that left end, but he shook them off. In another instant——-
"Touchdown!" yelled the frantic Gridley boosters.
"Touchdown! Oh, you Darrin! Oh, you Prescott!"