The words of the big fellow seemed to put the boy on his mettle. Hodge called for an out, and Dick delivered it quickly. Browning was not looking for a curve, and he swung at it.
He did not touch it.
“One strike!” laughed Frank. “At least, he fooled you once.”
“Why, the young rascal has a curve!” exclaimed Bruce, in surprise. “I thought he had never seen a game.”
“He never has.”
“Oh, say——”
“It’s a fact, but he has been practising some.”
“Oh, well, one curve is pretty good for a boy like him; but he’ll never fool me with it again.”
Bart called for an in, and the boy nodded.
Then Dick swung out with all the speed he could command, which was excellent for a lad of his age. The ball seemed coming straight over, and Bruce fancied it must be a straight one this time. He slashed at it hard, but the ball took a sharp in shoot, and he fanned again.