The game went forward swiftly, but Frank won the second point by “lobbying,” being able to toss the ball over the girl’s head so she could not get back to receive it.
“He’s getting desperate when he resorts to that style of play,” decided Diamond.
Fanny Darling gave a shriek of laughter.
“Oh, my goodness!” she cried. “Did you see that, girls? That’s all the way he can get a point now! He’s afraid to try a drive! Is this the mighty Frank Merriwell, of whom we have heard so much? Oh, my! oh, my!”
Frank joined in the burst of laughter.
“Miss Creighton has me guessing,” he confessed. “I acknowledge I fell back on what seemed my last and only resort.”
“It’s too bad to laugh like that, Fan,” protested Lucy Lake. “Just see what a gentleman he is, and how honest he is in owning up that Mabel is giving him a close game.”
“Too bad!” mocked Fanny. “Oh, I don’t know! He’s altogether too honest! Nothing seems to ruffle or disturb him. I don’t like a fellow who is so cool. I’d give anything if I could get Frank Merriwell real good and mad.”
“Why do you wish to do that?”
“Oh, just for fun! I’d like to prove that he can lose his temper occasionally.”