Back the ball went, however, to the other goal, and continued thus to travel up and down for fully fifteen minutes before some skilful passing and sharp dodging on the part of the Heathertons brought it in front of the Riverside goal, when, after a hard tussle, it was swiped through by a lucky stroke from Charlie Kent. Great was the elation of the Heathertons at scoring the first game. "Guess they’re not invincible, after all, if they have Sam Massie," said Charlie to Captain Brown. "Mustn’t crow too soon, Charlie," replied Brown cautiously. "We’ve got the afternoon before us yet." When the Riversides, thanks to a brilliant run of Massie’s, won the next game in five minutes, Charlie felt somewhat less confident; and when, after a severe struggle, they by a pure piece of luck took the third game in twenty minutes, he began to feel a little down in the mouth. But the winning of the fourth game by the Heathertons braced him up again, and he went into the fifth and final struggle with a brave and determined heart. The excitement had now become intense. It had been agreed before play commenced that the game should be called at six o’clock, and if not then finished, played over again at Riverside the following Saturday. The Heathertons fully appreciated the advantage of playing oh their own ground, and were determined to settle the fate of the flags before six o’clock if at all possible. The Riversides were equally determined to play out the time if they could do nothing better. Accordingly they concentrated all their strength upon the defence, and surrounded the redoubtable Sam Massie with the best men in the team. Once more Charlie Kent won the face, and again tipped to Rob, who did not fail to send it well down towards the goal, but the stone-wall defence quickly sent it back. Again and again the rubber sphere went flying through the air or bounding along the ground towards the Riverside goal, and again and again it returned, not even being permitted to stay there a moment. The minutes passed quickly, and six o’clock drew near. "Charlie, can’t you and Rob manage to get that ball down between you? Never mind your places; just play for the goal," said Captain Brown earnestly to Charlie. "All right, captain, we’ll do our best," replied Charlie, as he passed the word to Rob. As luck would have it, the Riversides, grown bold by their success, opened out their defence just then, and moved nearer the Heatherton goal. Charlie’s quick eye noted the change of tactics instantly. "Look sharp now, Rob," he called, and Rob nodded meaningly. A moment later the ball came flying his way, and springing high he caught it cleverly, amid a howl of applause from the spectators. Then, signalling Rob to keep parallel with him, he dashed off at full speed towards the Riverside goal. Charlie was lightly built and long-winded, and constant practice had made him the fastest "sprinter" in Heatherton. But he had never run before as he had then.