Big Bob now stalked out to hit. As he took his position he glanced over his shoulder at Brodie.
“If you fool with my bat,” he said, in a very low tone, “I’ll land you a bunch of fives on the jaw!”
“Oh, you wouldn’t hurt anybody!” retorted Brodie sneeringly. “You’re nothing but a big baby! You can’t get a hit off Kennedy if you try.”
Singleton quickly convinced Brodie of his mistake by smashing the first ball along the ground so swiftly that Jenners was barely able to touch it with his fingers and deflect its course. Had Jenners failed to touch it at all Gardner would have scored. As it happened Stowe was able to get the ball in time to hold Earl at third, although big Bob reached first safely.
It was now Buckhart’s turn to hit, but he sat on the bench without seeming aware of it.
“Get your batter out!” sharply ordered the umpire. “No delays!”
Dick gave Brad a punch.
“Come on, Buckhart!” he exclaimed. “It’s your turn!”
The Texan rose slowly to his feet and walked toward the plate without picking up his bat. Those who saw him fancied he would secure the bat dropped by Bradley. This he did not do, but took his position to strike without a bat.
Quickly catching up Brad’s pet stick, Dick went out and handed it to him.