Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1909-01-14

sett.
Yet his left end and left tackle were
behind him and to the right, Joining
the crowd of swiftly running players.
II was all too plain to Hartland's op-
ponents and TO half the onlookers. The
ball must be passed into the midst of
that closely woven gang. II would dis.
appear for a moment, then from the
piling scramble some feet-footed fly
er, would emerge for a desperate tear
around the end Newbert had no in.
reference on his left, and three men
to stop him. Evidently Capt Hart
land had need of every head. hand
and foot to carry out his plan. Ten
men against eight would count great.
ly at the onset, now almost upon them,
and his stout left guard might be re.
lied upon to do better battering than
impossible running. ALI sure enough
Newbert, slipping behind the center,
was making an arm movement.
Quick" rang out from his captains
lusty lungs-three of his team
crouched like cats, and their eight OPP
ponents, like one man, sweived TO the
right and fell upon the thrusting arms,
all eager for the expected ball.
Then was there grand tumble. ex.
cited shouts, legs in the air, howl of
dismay from Capt. Tenley, a roar from
the bleachers, shrieks from the grand
lstand, and rah-rah's from the friends
of the contestants. Two Of Hartland's
men wriggled out of the mess and
shot in different directions.
| Their tackles!" yelled Tenley. Get
away! Look out for the man with the
/ BALI"
| But where was the ball?
In the scrambling confusion no one
had noticed Olney Newbert. Now. as
| the tangled mass separated after the
futile struggle of those few blinded
seconds, a man was seen dashing
straight for the goal, with no one in
| his path except McDowd.
There was something queer about
this mans running, but he was cover.
ing ground at tremendous rate. He
appeared to slip a trifie every few
strides, and paved the air with his
| right arm, as If to keep his balance,
His lips barred his teeth, his set face
| glistening with. sweat, his eyes bulged,
strange, unmindful agony seemed
written upon him. Little McDowd said
afterwards (and the quarterback was
afraid of nothing), that he thought
Newbert's mind was gone, and he did
not dare to tackle him in front, but,
knowing that he could overtake him,
grabbed him from the rear at what
seemed certainly safe distance from
the goal.
After him pounded the whole mob,
A great roar filled his ears. He saw
the goal posts grow near--nearer Had
he lodged a man back there, and how?
Where was McDowd? He had meant
to run right over McDowd. The quar-.
terback was at his very heels almost
touching him, but Newbert did not
know it,
He guessed IL feet would take him
to the line. Now-he must remem-
Der to call down" Afterwards, no
matter.
Why! had his, left leg caught in a
trap? Was he staggering, falling
Something had him pinned Well, he
should yank out of that.
With a mighty plunge the man
threw himself forward, kicking, claw
ing, wriggling, squirming, dragging, at
last to rise on one knee for launch
ing of his remaining strength, final
terrible effort, with a word at his
parched lips.
Down." he gasped, both arms
1 around the ball and his head upon it.
McDowd, "the trap" who had made
capital tackle and been plowed dirt
lily the better part of ten feet, let go
got up, and looked hard at the in
sensible form.
The college football player is not a
demonstrative individual, as a rule.
The quarterback knelt, patted the
broad back tenderly, and felt curious
ly of Olney's left leg.
Something wrong here, DOCTOR" he
said, as physician hurried up. THE
man never struggled with this limb
1t was like hanging to a rag. He must
have made his great run on his
nerve"
Bruised and weak, probably. Bones
are all right. Yes, the excitement
caused him to forget, l suppose. Roll
him over and let him snuff these salts
He has merely tainted. I'll have the
lad fit to shake hands, soon'
Hartland kicked a goal as Newbert
was carried quickly to one side. The
players trotted off the field; the shout.
ing multitude thinned like, huge, gayly
colored flower beds torn by driving
storm; the thunder of applause died
into murmurs.
Then the captain of the winning
team walked over to the group about
the litter.
"Dr. Hazard" he whispered, how is
It? He has an invitation to dine at
seven. II he can't go, I'll send word. .
Important? Yes? oh, well, guess a
carriage and cane will get him
there"
Olney opened his eyes, stared,
winked and grinned
Went as far as / could, cap" he
|