Neither side would give ground, and at last the two lines were within fifteen to twenty feet of each other, right in the center of the field.
The time was almost up, and each command was getting rid of the last of the snowballs, when Jack saw a snowball leave Coulter's hand and sail swiftly towards Pepper.

The Imp did not see it until it was quite close to him and failed in his attempt to dodge.

The snowball hit him full in the temple and over he went as if struck with a club.
"Pepper!" cried the young major in horror, and started to rush to his chum's assistance, when another snowball came flying through the air.

It struck Jack over the ear, and he, too, went down, all but knocked unconscious.
A bugle blew, and the great snowballing contest came to an end.
"A tie! A tie!" was the cry.

"Neither side wins!" "Let the two captains shake hands and call it off!" said one cadet.
"I'm willing!" cried Bart, readily.
"So am I," added Henry, and then the pair shook hands, while a great cheer rolled up from both sides.