The musicians
of the two bands lounged in their seats and instruments had been
laid aside. There would be no more noise until one team or the
other had started to do real things.
Quick and sharp came the signal. West Point kicked and the ball
was in play.
Navy's quarterback, after a short run, placed himself to seize
the arching pigskin out of the air. Then he ran forward, protected
by the Navy interference.
By a quick pass the ball came into Dave Darrin's hands. Dalzell
braced himself as he hit the strong Army line.
It was like butting a stone wall, but Darrin got through, with
the aid of effective interference.
Army men bunched and tackled, but Dave struggled on. He did not
seem to be exerting much strength, but his elusiveness was wonderful,
Then, after a few yards had been gained, Dave was borne to the
earth, the bottom of a struggling mass until, the referee's whistle
ended the scrimmage.
Annapolis players could not help shooting keen glances of satisfaction
at each other. The test had been a brief one, but now they saw
that Darrin was in form, and that he could be depended upon to-day,
unless severe accident came to cripple him.
Again the ball was put in play, this time going over to Farley and
Page on the right end.
Only a yard did Farley succeed in advancing the ball, but that
was at least a gain.
Then again came the pigskin to the left flank, and Dave fought
it through the enemy's battle line for a distance of eight feet
ere he was forced to earth with it.
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