Nor could the second team advance the ball, so it presently came to the Navy men again.
"I want you to put it through again like a cannon-ball, Darrin," Midshipman Hepson whispered as they passed.
So the quarter-backs called for a repetition of the play, giving different signals.
Dave received the ball with a rush of his old-time fervor and confidence.
Dan started behind him as full of fire as ever.
In a fraction of a second the impact of the two opposing lines came.
Jetson went down, one of his legs flying between Darrin's in such a way as to constitute a foul.
Dave Darrin went down on top of the ball.

Half a dozen players sprawled over him.

The referee's whistle blew.
"Jetson, that was a mean, deliberate trip," remarked Darrin, as he sprang to his feet.

He spoke coolly, with a warning flash in his eyes.
"Not on my part," retorted Jetson.
"You thrust your leg between mine as you went down." Coach signed to referee not to renew the game for the moment.

Then Lieutenant-Commander Havens and the two team captains crowded close.
"I didn't do it deliberately, as you charged," retorted Jetson, hot with anger.
"You deny it ?" insisted Dave.
"I do." "On your word as a gentleman you did not intend, a foul trip ?" demanded Midshipman Darrin.
"I have already answered you." "Answer me on your word as a gentleman." "I don't have to." "Very good, then," retorted Dave, turning away with a meaning smile.
"Hold on.