“Thanks,” he said significantly. “Coming from you, that means a good deal, Mr. Diggs!”
Green started, gave him one keen glance, then passed on with a laugh. But in that moment Chip knew that he now knew his man.
“That man is Diggs, right enough,” he said to Coach Trayne, as his next three men proceeded to fan. “But he’s not beaten us yet.”
“Yaw!” squawked Villum from behind. “Dot vos right, Chip! Two runs don’d a pasepall game make, you pet me! Vait till I dood it!”
For the second time, Green retired Fardale on nine pitched balls.
CHAPTER XXXVI.
THE JUMP BALL.
The fourth inning started off badly, Smith beating out a bunt to first, but he held on while Merry tightened and fanned the next two men with the double shoot. At this Smith went down to second, where Villum was standing on the sack as usual.
Billy Mac sent down a perfect throw from the plate, but Villum appeared not to see it, for he was staring at Smith.
“Jump, you chump!” yelled Smith, and flung himself down in a beautiful fall-away slide.