When the ball struck in Billy’s hands, it twisted out before he could close his fingers on it, and Gibbs reached first in safety.
Gannon followed with a two-bagger to left field, but Gibbs was held on third by the coacher.
“Now, what do you think?” shouted Nort Madison.
“We think you’re the next victim!” growled big Bob Singleton, as Madison stepped out to strike.
“You’ve got another think coming to you,” Nort confidently retorted. “This is my turn to get a hit.”
Brad signaled for a drop, but Dick shook his head and continued to shake his head until the Texan asked for the combination ball. With this ball Merriwell made Madison swing twice ineffectively.
Then Dick tried a rise.
Madison let it pass, and it was pronounced a ball.
“Get ’em down, Merriwell—get ’em down!” exclaimed the batter. “I can’t reach those!”
“Try this,” invited Dick.