Dick Merriwell's Fighting Chance; Or, The Split in the VarsityStandish, Burt L.
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Dick Merriwell's Fighting Chance; Or, The Split in the Varsity
Standish, Burt L.
Adventure stories; Dime novels; Merriwell, Dick (Fictitious character) -- Juvenile fiction; Yale University -- Juvenile fiction
Joy was the supreme sensation in Bob’s breast. Only the Princeton full
back threatened. The ball was safely clutched in his right arm, his
breath came easily, his legs were strong, and the goal posts loomed down
the field and beckoned him on. This, he thought exultingly, was the best
moment that life could give.
Behind, although he could not hear it for the din of shouting from the
stands, he knew the pursuit to be in full cry. He edged farther out from
the dangerous touch line and sped on. The Princeton full back had been
deceived by the play, and had gone farther up the field for a kick, and
now down he came at full speed.
Hollister seemed to hesitate and falter. The full back prepared to
tackle. His broad back was bent far over, his sturdy legs squared
themselves, and, when Bob was almost within his reach, he dove forward.
There was a sudden gasp from the spectators, a breathless hush, and then
a thunderous roar of joy, as Hollister leaped high in the air, cleared
the hooking arms, stumbled, got his balance again, and ran on, free, the
ball still cupped in the curve of his arm.
The momentary pause had served to bring the foremost of the other
pursuers almost to Bob’s heels.
And now the plucky end began to feel the effects of his strenuous work.
His breath came irregularly, his throat was parching, his legs ached
with every bound, but still he never wavered. Behind him sounded the
thud of relentless feet. He dared not look back lest he stumble. Every
second he expected to feel the clutch of the enemy. Presently he gave up
trying to breathe; it was too hard. His head was swimming and his lungs
seemed bursting.
Then his wandering faculties rushed back at a bound as he fancied he
felt a touch—just the lightest fingering—and, gathering all his
remaining strength, he increased his pace for a few steps.
The ten-yard line passed, slowly, reluctantly.
“One more,” he thought. “Only one more!”
The great stands were hoarse with shouting, for here ended the game.
Nearer and nearer crept the five-yard line; nearer and nearer crept the
pursuers. Once more Hollister called upon his strength, and tried to
draw away, but it was useless. And, with the goal line but four yards
distant, stout arms were clasped tightly around his waist.
One—two—three strides he made. The goal line writhed before his dizzy
sight. Relentlessly the clutching grasp fastened tighter and tighter
about him like bands of steel, and settled lower and lower until his
legs were clasped and he could move no farther. Despairingly he thrust
the ball out at arm’s length, and tried to throw himself forward; the
trampled turf rose to meet him, and then blackness came.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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