The Miller press. [volume] (Miller, S.D.) 190?-current, 1909-01-07

behind him and TO the rlSnt, JoinihS
the crowd of swiftly running players.
1t was all too plain to Hartland's op-
ponents and to half the %onlookers. the
ball must be passed into the midst or
| that closely woven gang It would dis
appear for a moment, then from the
| piling scramble some f~leet-footed n.y.
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. All! 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 op-
ponents, like one man, swerved to the
right and fell upon the thrusting arms,
all eager for the expected ball.
Then was there a grand tumble, ex-
cited shouts, legs in the air, a howl of
dismay from Capt. Tenley, a roar from
the ~bleachers, shrieks from the grand
stand, 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 nal 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 a tremendous rate. He
appeared to slip a trife 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,
a strange, unmindful agony seemed
written upon him. Little McDowd said
afterwards land 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 a 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 mar back there, and how?
Where was McDowd? He had meant
to u right over McDowd. The quar-
ter-back 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 a launch
ing of his remaining strength, a final
terrible effort, with a word at his
parched lips.
Down." he gasped, both arms
around the ball and his head upon it.
McDowd, 1.-The trap" who had made
a capital tackle and been plowed dirt
lily the better part of ten feet, let 60,
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
Is of Olney's left leg.
Something wrong here, DOCTOR" he
said, as a 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. III 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 a 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. If he can't go, I'll send word"
Important? Yes? Oh, well, I guess a
carriage and a cane will get him
there"
Olney opened his eyes, stared,
winked and grinned.
Went as far as i could, cap" he
murmured.
"Sure you did, old boy. What pos.
sessed you to run, though? Why didn't
you pass the ball as understoo6?"
Il forgot" said Olney. II meant
it. Don't blow me now. Harry"
Hartland swallowed. Blow" he
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