Fardale came up in the ninth with Merriwell first at bat.
Dick looked determined to try for a home run as he strode up to the plate, gripping the end of his bat. When Westcott delivered the ball, however, Merriwell suddenly shortened his hold and bunted. He was off like a flash, and by great running succeeded in crossing first ahead of the ball.
As Darrell came out to strike, Dick made a signal that Hal understood. Darrell let the first one pass. On the second ball pitched Merriwell, who had been watching Westcott’s feet, scudded for second base.
Dickson lined the ball down to Tipton, but Dick slid under handsomely and was again declared safe.
“He will stay right there,” asserted Madison.
Nort was mistaken, however, for on the very next ball pitched, which proved to be a little wild, Dick, having secured a good lead off second, made a dash for third, and again was declared safe after a sensational slide.
The cadets rose and cheered wildly.
A moment later Darrell put up a weak foul and was out.
Dick was crouching near third, every nerve strained, as Westcott pitched the first ball to Black.
Barron missed it.