The midshipmen joined in cheers, and then the band took up the music again.
At first sight of the visitors, some of the Navy people began to have their doubts about victory.

The Hannistons surely were "bulky." In size and age, the visitors were as formidable as any of the college elevens.
Many of the midshipmen, too, recalled what they had heard Waite say at table.

It seemed little wonder that the popular odds were against the middies.
But the band, having played its welcome to the Hannistons, who were now chasing a ball over the field in practice, almost immediately switched off into the strains of "See, the Conquering Hero Comes!" All doubts were dispelled for the moment at least, as all the Navy people present let loose a tremendous cheer in which the midshipmen spectators led, for now Captain Hepson was leading his own men on to the field, the hope of the Navy that day.
"Hepson! Hepson!" went up rousingly from the brigade.
"Darrin! Darrin!" howled others.
"Dalzell!" "Darrin! Darrin!" "Hepson must enjoy hearing more noise for Darrin than for himself," reflected Jetson moodily.
But Hepson, big in body, heart and mind, was intent only on victory.

It did not even occur to the captain of the Navy eleven that Darrin was getting more of a reception than himself.

Hepson was simply and heartily glad to find himself supported by two such promising gridiron men as Darrin and Dalzell.
"Remember, Darry, how much we're backing on you to-day," muttered Hepson, after another round of yells for Dave had been given.
"I can't do everything, and perhaps not much," smiled Dave.