The soldier's muscular hand shot out, and, catching his assailant fair and square under the chin, sent him spinning backwards on the grass. Then, amidst roars of delight from his companions, he ran round and deposited the ball half-way between the goal-posts.
Mr. Yard sat up and looked after him.
"You swine!" he said softly. "You wait!"
Jack and Tubby came hurrying up.
"Not hurt, Logan, are you?" inquired the former anxiously.
"Only in me feelings!" answered Mr. Yard.
Tubby laughed.
"Well, it's a new sensation for you to miss any one!" he said, as they walked back towards the goal. "I always thought Buckle was a pretty stiff proposition; now I'm sure."
Mr. Yard made no audible answer. To himself, however, he remarked bitterly: "He'll be stiffer still before I've done with him."
A successful place-kick put the two sides level, and immediately afterwards the whistle went for half-time.