Three of them sang past, while Merry waited desperately. He knew perfectly well that Green intended to pass him, in order to strike out the next three men.
“I’d sooner die fighting than be left at the post,” he muttered grimly, taking a firm grip on his bat.
Again Green smiled, scarcely taking the trouble to wind up for the throw. He sent the ball down to Olcott, far too high for a good strike, but Chip was past caring whether it was good or not.
With an effort, he swung up and reached for it. There was a crack, and the sphere shot out over second base—for his third hit off Green!
Merrell made a hard run in for the ball, secured it on the first bounce, and relayed in a beautiful throw to Olcott. Clancy was tearing for home, and he ran along as he had never run before. Glancing around, he saw the ball almost even with him, and as he neared home he went down in a desperate slide.
Olcott received the ball perfectly, and there was a moment of suspense as the dust rose and hid the play. Then the umpire’s figure emerged, hands down.
Fardale had won on Merry’s hit—the closest finish ever seen on Fardale field.
CHAPTER XXXVIII.
CAUGHT WITH THE GOODS.
“It’s Merry’s game, all right!”