The Army and Navy elevens were lining up to start play.

CHAPTER XV

HEROES AND A SNEAK

Turnback Haynes watched the game closely, darkly.

He wanted to note and to remember every play near the Army’s left end today.  Should the Navy win the day’s battle, then Cadets Haynes felt sure he could make a large number of men in the second class at the Military Academy believe that Prescott had allowed his ancient friendship to stand in the way of an Army victory.

“Great Caesar, I might even succeed in getting to be president of the class yet!” muttered the turnback.  “There they go again!”

A second or two later the wild cheering began again.

For the Army was charging with the ball, well down in Navy territory, and Prescott, with the pigskin safely tucked, was using his most wily tactics to get by Dave Darrin.

And Dick succeeded, too, though only for eight yards, when Dave had the satisfaction of helping to pull his old-time chum down to the ground in the interests of the Navy.

For a little while the ball had been over on Army ground.  Now, however, it was going steadily toward the Navy’s goal line, and the interest of the spectators was intense.

The time of the game was more than half gone.  Once the Navy had been forced to carry the pig skin behind its own line, gaining thus a fresh lease of life in the game.  But, of course, the safety scored two against the Navy.  For a while afterward it had looked as though that, would be the score for the game—–­two to nothing.

“If Brayton uses Prescott just right, and doesn’t call on them too often, they’ll get the ball over the Navy’s goal line yet,” confided Lieutenant Carney to a brother officer who stood at his side.

“The Navy line-up is a great one this year,” replied his comrade.  “For myself I’d be satisfied to see the score end as it stands—–­two to nothing.”

“Without a touchdown on either side!” questioned Lieutenant Carney, with a trace of scorn in his voice.  “That wouldn’t be real sport, old fellow!”

“I know; but it would be at least a safe finish for the Army,” responded the other.

Just then Quarterback Boyle’s voice was heard giving the signal: 

“Eight—–­seventeen—–­four!”

Lieutenant Carney gave his friend’s arm a slight nudge.

By way of Greg the ball came to Dick, who, already in fleet motion, was none the less ready for the pass.

With the ball under his arm, Prescott started.  Almost in an instant Dave and Dan piled upon him, ere Greg could get in for effective interference.

Two more downs and the Navy had the ball.

Now Darrin, with Dalzell’s close elbow-touch throughout, started a series of brilliant plays.  To be sure, Dave didn’t make all the runs, but he made the larger part of them.