With their eyes fixed on the white line, the Ripleys, inspired by that spirit of determination and aggressiveness which victory almost won carries with it, continued the battle. Only five feet now separated them from the coveted goal.
In a voice that was strong and clear, Bill Stiles commanded:
“All together—Ripley forever!”
And the others chimed in loudly:
“Ripley forever—now all together!”
Before an irresistible rush, the discouraged Thorntons fell back, and the big ball rolled over the line.
As the cheers from Ripley and their adherents rang out, a flag was run up on the pole at the end of the field, and, as it fluttered out on the breeze, “Ripley,” in big blue letters, appeared on the silken surface.
The house-boat boys yelled loud and long.
“That old rag will come down yet,” grumbled the disconsolate Bates. “I can tell you that!”
Just at this juncture, and quite unnoticed, a slight man of dignified bearing briskly approached.