their vigor told, and in spite of all Colby Hall could
do to hold them back, they gained constantly, and when the end of the
third quarter was reached the score was a tie.

"Thirteen to thirteen! What do you think of that?"

"Some playing, eh?"

Each side cheered its own, but many were the anxious faces when the two
elevens lined up for the final quarter.

"Now then, boys, dig into them!" cried Mr. Crews, earnestly. "Show them
what Colby Hall can do!"

"Watch 'em--watch 'em closely!" cautioned Gif. "They may try to pull
off some new stunt at the last minute."

Once more the two teams went at it "hammer and tongs." It was certainly
a battle royal, and on more than one occasion it looked as if some of
the players might be seriously injured. As it was, Hixley High had to
put in one substitute, and Colby Hall took on two. But the fighting
blood of the cadets was now up, and with a great rush they carried the
ball over the Hixley High line. They failed, however, to kick the goal,
much to the regret of their followers.

"Never mind, boys," said Gif, encouragingly. "Hold 'em now! That is all
I ask of you--hold 'em!"

And hold them Colby did, although the high school lads fought like
demons to carry the ball across the cadets' territory. Back and forth
went the play, the crowd meanwhile yelling itself hoarse. The ball was
on the Colby Hall 15-yard line when the whistle blew and the game was
over.

"Colby Hall wins!"

"Hurrah! Hurrah!"

Then the horns and rattles sounded out louder than ever, and in a
twinkling the football field was alive with visitors, and the
triumphant eleven was surrounded.

CHAPTER XXIII

TARGET PRACTICE

Colby Hall prepared for a great celebration that night in honor of
their victory over Hixley High. Boxes and barrels had been stored away
in anticipation of just such an occasion, and these were brought out
and stacked up at a safe place along the river front.

"Bonfires to-night--and big ones, too!" cried Andy, and let off his
surplusage of spirits by turning several handsprings.

"Look out, Andy!" cried Fred, "or some circus will capture you."

"Sour grapes!" retorted the fun-loving youth.

"Oh, it was grand--the way you held Hixley High back in that last
quarter!" remarked Ruth to Jack. "I was so afraid they would break
through and score, I could hardly wait for the whistle to blow."

"It was certainly some game!" answered Jack. "You see, they are so much
heavier than