“Wasn’t that an awful hit!” came from Smart. “I didn’t expect him to hit it so far!”
Arlington was doing his best at the very outset. He could not lead Ligner into reaching for wide ones. As a result, he was compelled to put the ball over.
Then the batter did hit it. He drove it like a shot straight at Gardner, who never flinched. The ball struck in Earl’s hands, but dropped to the ground. Quick as thought Gardner picked it up and sent it across to first, and the first batter was out.
Ligner paused near the base and stood with his hands on his hips, staring at Gardner.
“Burned your mitts a little, kid, didn’t it?” he cried. “Next time I will take your paws off. You will learn better than to stand in front of those after a while.”
At this the cadets set up a derisive shout.
“That fellow is foolish, Mr. Man!” cried Smart, as soon as he could be heard. “He never will seem to dodge ’em!”
“That’s the first one, Arlington,” said Gardner. “They’re half gone—half gone!”
“You must be good at arithmetic!” derisively called one of the visitors from the bench.
“Beautiful work, Gardner!” said Arlington, in satisfaction. “A fellow can pitch with that kind of support!”