Ned.

"Oh, we're going to win--I'm sure of it!" answered Randy.

"I hope what you say proves true," returned Ruth, hopefully.

Just before the whistle was given for the end of the third quarter
there had been a grand crash and a fierce mix-up on the field. Then it
was found that both a Columbus Academy player and a Colby Hall youth
would have to be taken out of the game.

"Now then, Fred, here's your chance," said Gif, coming up to the
youngest Rover. "I'm going to put you in, and I want you to help us win
the game."

"Win it is!" cried Fred, his eyes shining eagerly. "We'll either win or
we'll die!"

When the whistle blew for the final quarter, all of the players who
trooped on the field had a do-or-die expression on their faces. Once
more the play became fast and furious, and, as a result, in less than
three minutes Columbus Academy scored another touchdown, which,
however, failed of a goal.

"Hurrah! That's the way to do it!" yelled their followers in keen
delight.

"Brace up, boys! brace up! This won't do at all. Come on now, all
together!" And then Colby Hall went in with renewed vigor so that
inside of a few minutes more they, too, had scored another touchdown,
and from this they managed to kick a goal.

"Hello! what do you know about that! Another tie!"

"Thirteen to thirteen! Same as that other game! Say, this is getting
mighty interesting!"

So far, Fred, although he had played as hard as anybody in the game,
had failed to make any appreciable showing. Now, however, with only a
few minutes to spare, he saw his chance.

One of the Columbus Academy players had dropped back for a punt. Fred,
who was close at hand, made a sudden leap over a protecting half back
and blocked the kick.

"Say, look at that! Fred Rover is in the game for keeps!"

"Send it back, Fred! Send it back!"

The words were scarcely spoken when the thrilled spectators saw that
the youngest Rover boy had the leather. Like a flash he sent it rolling
back, Gif coming to his aid.

"A safety! A safety for Colby Hall!"

"Hurrah! that puts Colby two points ahead!"

"Good work for Fred Rover!"

"Now then, Colby Hall, you've got 'em a-going! Keep it up!"

"Pitch into 'em, Columbus! Pitch into 'em!"

So the yelling went on while all of the spectators stood up in their
seats, anxious to see what might be accomplished next. But there was no
time to do more. The whistle blew and the great game was over.

Colby Hall had won!

I