There is lots of time." He was almost flat on his back, with both feet braced firmly in the soil.

Rockley was also down, and it looked as if it might be well-nigh impossible to budge either.
"This is a dandy tug of war," said Fred Garrison.

"Neither has got an inch of advantage." "The Rovers will beat!" "The Rockleys will win!" "I think it will be a tie," said another.
The strain was terrific and soon each member of the two teams was bathed in perspiration.
"Here is where you earn your rations!" cried one cadet, and this caused a general laugh.
"Watch your chances, Tom," whispered Dick, and his brother nodded to show that he understood.
Both sides were glaring at each other.

The strain was beginning to tell, but so far nobody had thought of letting up in the least.
But now Tom saw two of Rockley's men "getting their wind" as it is called.

They still held on to the rope, but were hardly pulling at all.
"Up!" cried Tom suddenly, and his men went up like a flash.