“Put it over, you boob!” shrieked Clancy.
Kess looked up, saw the runner nearing first, and scrambled to his feet. With astonishing precision, he sent the ball to Clancy, and the umpire motioned Ironton out.
“It was an accident!” cried Craven, on the coaching line. “He’s an idiot!”
“Go avay mit yourselluf!” squawked Villum, brushing the dust from his shirt. “Vait till I vos shown you how you don’d blay, yes, no!”
Murray advanced to the plate, and with evident determination to hit. After trying to connect with three sharp curves, Murray slung away his bat and yielded up his place to Green.
Frank saw the wiry pitcher pull down his cap and dust his hands, and the quiet confidence of the man went far to show that he was no amateur. Grimly resolving to fan him, Chip wound up for the double shoot, and the ball hummed down.
Green did not attempt to strike. Then a swift look of astonishment overspread his lean brown face. Merry had changed from his right to his left hand!
“Great Scott!” gasped Green. “It’s impossible!”
“Go on and knock it over the fence,” chuckled Billy Mac.
Green tried to, but the double shoot fooled him completely. With a smile, Frank delivered a sharp out with his left hand, and Green reached for it in vain.