Nevertheless Dick encouraged his players to struggle to the last, and they made a magnificent effort to win the game in the final half of the ninth. With one man out a runner was advanced to third, but Peterson again deceived the following batters, and Fardale failed to score.
The Great Northern had won the game, by a score of nine to eight.
CHAPTER IV.
BY FAIR MEANS OR FOUL.
It was a hard game to lose, and the Fardale boys felt pretty sore over it. Not a few blamed Dick for not putting Arlington out earlier in the fatal seventh. It was generally admitted that Fardale would have won had Flint heard Dick’s cry to Jolliby as he was running after that long fly.
Among the cadets, there were a few fellows who seemed to feel well satisfied over the result, although they took care not to let this be generally known.
Hector Marsh found it difficult to repress his pleasure and pretend to be regretful. To Preston he secretly said:
“If I had planned that game it couldn’t have pleased me better. Arlington got his bumps and was taken out by Merriwell, and then Merriwell lost the game. Two mighty idols have tottered a little this day. You bet your life Arlington is sore!”
“I know he is,” nodded Preston. “Any one could see that when he went to the bench.”
“He will hate Merriwell for taking him out.”
“I don’t think Merriwell did it on his own responsibility. I saw Day speak to him.”