Just the same, I think Rockley's crowd will lose." Although Sam would not bet, some of the other students did, so that by the time the match was to come off quite a sum was up.
George Strong had been chosen as starter and umpire.

On the green a line of white was laid down, and the team pulling the other over this line would be the winner.
For the contest Captain Putnam provided a new rope of proper size.

To each end was attached a belt for the anchor men, and there was ample room on each side of the line for the eight cadets on the rope.
"All ready ?" questioned George Strong, when the time had come for the contest.
"All ready on this end," replied Tom, seeing to it that each of his team was in his proper position and had a proper hold on the rope.
"All ready here," said Rockley, a few seconds later.
"Drop!" cried the teacher, and down went the two teams like a flash, each pulling for all it knew how.

But neither gained an inch at the fall, so the start-off was perfect.
"Now pull for all you're worth, Rovers!" cried one cadet.
"Haul 'em over, Rockleys!" cried another.
"Steady, boys!" whispered Tom.

"Don't get nervous.