This call had been unexpected by the boy, and he hesitated for a moment.
“That’s right,” said Browning, who was the first batter; “give us something easy.”
Immediately Dick left the bleachers and entered the diamond, his eyes flashing and his lips pressed together.
“Don’t strike him out, Dick,” adjured Merry, as he tossed the ball to the lad. “He’d feel bad if you did.”
“No danger,” grunted Browning. “The outfielders better move back.”
Frank went up behind the catcher, announcing that he would act as umpire and coach.
Dick Merriwell had tossed aside his jacket as he entered the diamond. His shoulders and arms were fairly good for a boy of his age, although they might have been developed more.
“Give your signals,” called the boy to Bart.
Frank had been teaching him to pitch by catcher’s signals.
“Oh, you won’t need to bother about that,” said Browning.