They had no time to put up the money, for Merriwell was at work again, and they were eager to watch him.
The very next ball was an outcurve, but it was beyond Gibson's reach and he calmly let it pass. Then followed a straight one that was on the level with the top of the batter's head, and Gibson afterward expressed regret that he did not try it. The third one was low and close to Gibson's knees.
Three balls had been called in succession, and the next one settled the matter, for it stood three to two.
"Has he gone to pieces?" anxiously asked Collingwood.
"I don't think so," answered Pierson, "but he has wasted good opportunities trying to pull Gibson. He is in a bad place now."
"You have him in a hole, Gibson," cried a voice. "The next one must be right over, and he can't put it there."
"It looks as if you would win, Rattleton," said Harris in mild disgust. "Merriwell is going to give the batter his base, and so, of course, he will not get a hit."
Harry was nettled, and quick as a flash returned:
"Four balls hits for a go—I mean goes for a hit in this case."
Harris laughed.