Each district had still standing in the line
Enough to hold out in this bout some time.
The contest now began the second round.
Yet more and more int’resting waxed the game.
The spelling grew distinct as clarion sound;
And breathless the spectators viewed the same.
A plucky lad or lass some times would fall,
Hit by some fatal word as “minnie” ball.
Each district reinvoiced its spellers there;
And weighed again their chance of winning out.