Page:The secret play (1915).djvu/347

 *nal and hurled Beaton at left tackle. Two yards resulted. Springdale was stiffening now under the shadow of her goal. Beaton was yanked to his feet, and hobbled back to position.

"98—49—32!"

The lines set and the backs crouched.

"98—49—32!"

Back came the ball, Lanny and Tupper plunged at the left of the line, Beaton sprang forward and—

"Ball! Ball!" cried Chester. Beaton had fumbled! A Springdale lineman hurled himself past with a mighty rasping of canvas and plunged forward. Chester was tossed aside. A muffled voice called "Down!" and the whistle blew.

"Springdale's ball!" cried the referee. "First down! Ten to go!"

A groan of disappointment arose from the Clearfield stand, but the blue pennants waved mightily and two hundred Springdale voices burst into wild acclaim. Beaton, with miserable face, hung his head as the Blue's quarter took command. But Lanny shouted encouragement:

"Never mind that, fellows! Let's get it back! Now play, play!"

Springdale hurled her fullback through for a