Jarley leaned forward and swung at it, expecting it would curve over the outside corner. Instead the ball struck the bat close to his fingers and went bounding slowly and weakly down to Merriwell, who easily picked it up and tossed it over to Singleton for an “out.”
“The tempest has abated,” chuckled Wiley. “It is growing calmer.”
Knealy, the next hitter, watched Dick’s signals closely, and, to his surprise, every ball delivered took a curve he did not anticipate. The result was that he struck out in short order, and Franklin was retired with two runs in the first inning.
CHAPTER XXVIII.
AGAINST TEN MEN.
“Ah! ha! Richard Merriwell,” exclaimed Wiley, as he grasped Dick’s hand. “It thrills my palpitating organism to again press your perspiring palm.”
“How does it happen that you are here, Wiley?” Dick asked.
“The tale is one too long to unfold under such agitating circumstances. Suffice it to say that men with evil ways have looked with covetous eyes on my friend Abe, and your brother decided that it was expedient that we should waft ourselves thitherward to a region of safety. He will follow. It’s possible that he may arrive to-morrow, or even to-night.”
“Indeed!” exclaimed Dick delightedly. “Frank coming so soon?”
“Do you doubt my veracity? The mere thought that any one could suspect me of a falsehood pains me keenly. Truth—I love it! Truth—I adore it! This is easily understood, for you know familiarity breeds contempt.”
“What did you mean a few moments ago when you spoke of the signs of the times?” asked Dick.