He finally braced his nerves, and, advancing, knelt beside the prostrate boy.
Ralph placed his trembling hand inside the open coat, and let it rest over the heart. His own throbbed loud and strong with hope and relief, as under his finger tips there was a faint, faint fluttering.
"He is alive--thank heaven for that!" cried Ralph fervently.
He ran to the window. Through the broken pane he could view the baseball grounds and the clubhouse beyond.
Will Cheever was sitting outside of the house, and at a little distance another member of the Criterions was exercising with a pair of Indian clubs.
Ralph tried to lift the lower sash, but it would not budge.
He ripped out of place the loose side piece, and removed the sash complete.
"Will--boys!" he shouted loudly, "come--come quick!"
[CHAPTER IX--AN UNEXPECTED GUEST]
Ralph soon drew the attention of his friends, and in a few minutes Will Cheever and his companion had made their way into the old factory.