And now Dick was racing out around Filmore’s right end, backed by a crushing interference of which Wadleigh was the center.  Darrin, with head high, was watching for every chance at legitimate interference.  Behind them all, quarter and left half pounded and pushed.

An instant and Dick was free and around Filmore’s end.  Now, he dashed into the race of his life!

Wadleigh sent a man sprawling.  Dave’s elbow did something to Filmore’s right tackle.  Just what it was none of the spectators could see.  But none of the field officials interfered so it must have been legitimate.

After a fight and a short, brilliant run, Dick was tackled by Filmore’s fullback.

One quivering instant—–­then Wadleigh and Hudson bumped that fullback so hard that he went down, Dick wriggling safely away and bounding toward Filmore’s goal.

With fire in their eyes, Gridley’s center and left wing swept on.

Dick Prescott was over the goal line, bending and holding the ball down!  Then, indeed, the crowd broke loose all except the few hundreds from Filmore.

Was it a touchdown?  That was the question that all asked themselves.  It was so close to the line that many onlookers were in doubt, and stood staring with all their eyes.

But the ball went back for the kick, and that settled all doubts.

Dave made the kick, and lost it—–­but who cared?

A moment later and the whistle blew—–­the second half was over—–­the game finished.

Filmore had bitten the dust to the song of eleven to eight.

Dick’s tiny head shake had been a piece of strategy prearranged with Wadleigh.  It was a legitimate ruse, as honest as any other piece of football strategy intended to throw the enemy “off”.

Now the band was indeed thundering out, playing in its best strain.

All restraint thrown aside, the spectators surged over the lines and out on the gridiron, making a rush for the heated but happy home players.

The record had been kept—–­a season without a game lost.  Filmore swallowed its chagrin and went home.

Dick?  He had helped nobly to save the game and the record, but now he was exhausted.

Over in dressing quarters two of the subs were rubbing him down, while Dr. Bentley and Coach Morton stood anxiously by.

CHAPTER XXIV

CONCLUSION

After a few days Prescott was back at school.  It was noted, however, that he did not take any part in gym. work, and that he spoke even more quietly than usual, but he kept up in his recitations.

Youth is the period of quick recovery.  That the Thanksgiving Day game had strained the young left end there was no doubt.  Within a fortnight, however, Prescott was himself again, taking his gym. work, and a cross-country run three times a week.