Then, as his team took the field, he again urged them to hold Fardale down.
Merriwell again led off with a handsome clean drive for one bag. Black strained every nerve to get a hit, but popped up an infield fly, on which Dick stuck to first and Barron was declared out.
The raindrops came thicker. There was a flash of lightning, and the thunder rumbled more nearly overhead. Still the spectators lingered, wishing to see that inning through.
Bradley finally got a safe hit, and Flint worked Ware for a pass to first, which filled the bases.
At this critical point Darrell again came up.
A long hit might tie the score.
Would Darrell make it?
Dick was watching him closely and anxiously. Twice Hal struck, seeming to try hard to hit the ball, but when he swung the third time Dick felt certain he made an effort to miss. He was out.
It depended on Jolliby now. Chip was rather pale as he gripped his bat and took his position. The second ball pitched he hit hard and fair.
At the same moment there was another flash of lightning, and the thunder followed it quickly.