Merry gave him a high swift one, and Costigan let it pass for a ball. Then Frank made the same motion, but sent in a slop drop. Costigan tried to get under it, struck too quick, and missed it.
“One and one,” called Capt. Hardy. “Merry is easy fruit for you, Joe.”
“I am not so sure of that,” muttered Costigan. “I have seen him fool too many good men to think him easy.”
Frank feared Costigan more than he had Faunce, although the latter was the more brilliant hitter. Costigan was not puffed up with too much confidence and he was as steady as a mill.
“I’d give something to strike him out,” thought Merriwell.
He tried to “tease” the batter, but Costigan would not bite, and two more balls were called.
“Now you have him in a hole, old man,” cried Phil Hardy. “He’s forced to put it over.”
Frank thought swiftly just then. Which had he better do, put it over or try a “fooler?” That was a question of some moment just then. He knew well enough that Costigan was the kind of fellow who would take four, instead of breaking his back for a hit, and laugh as he trotted down to first.
But there was something else to be considered. Costigan had seen considerable of Merriwell’s pitching, and he knew Frank was at his best when forced to send them over. Merry had great control, and no one was better aware of it than Joe Costigan. Frank decided that Costigan would think that the next one was sure to be straight over and swift.
“He will try to line it out if it looks good,” decided Frank.