He had the ball! It was a most astonishing catch, and a wild cheer of delight went up from the cadets as the fat boy quickly stepped onto second and made a double play, the runner having left the bag.
Somehow this strange blighting of their high hopes seemed to take the snap out of Rivermouth.
The first Fardale batter drove an easy one to third base, but the baseman fell all over himself in trying to pick it up. A comedy of errors followed. The infielders apparently sought to outdo one another in bungling plays, and the bags were filled.
Then Armstrong took a brace and struck out a batter. The next player connected with the ball in time to settle the game. The ball was lifted over the infield, the shortstop failing to get back for it, and Fardale scored the winning run in the last half of the ninth, thus capturing one of the hardest games ever played on that field.
CHAPTER IX.
THE POWER OF A SUPERIOR MIND.
Near noon Saturday a steam yacht ran into Fardale harbor and lay alongside the wharf to coal. This yacht was the property of Mrs. Arlington. During the game June had invited Doris Templeton to accompany her on board the yacht that evening.
“I will call for you at Lakeside Academy,” said June. “If you can go, I will take you over in a carriage.”
Doris readily agreed to go if possible.
June was on hand according to agreement, and Doris was able to accompany her. As they were driving away from the academy, June said:
“I wasn’t sure you would come. I almost thought you might not.”