Gamp was the first hitter of the Merries, and the long youth from New Hampshire drove the ball out to Gresham, who made a very pretty catch.
Hodge hit savagely, but his temper was not right to connect with Park’s curves, and he fanned.
Then came Swiftwing. Again the collection of boys whooped like a lot of Indians from the bleachers. The Indian put up an infield fly, and was out.
“Give us the double-shoot at your best speed, Merriwell,” said Hodge, in a low tone. “Just show these chumps you can pitch a little.”
“All right,” nodded Frank; “if you can handle it with that hand, you shall have it.”
“Don’t worry about me,” said Bart.
“Now,” said Dan Mahoney, “you’ll see my brother get a hit.”
“I hope so,” said Elrich, “for it wins the first thousand for me.”
Mahoney came to the plate. He had seen others hitting Frank, and he felt fully confident he could do so. Merry gave him a swift double-shoot to start with, and he fanned, gasped, rubbed his eyes and looked amazed.
“Do that again,” he invited.