Squint returned the ball. Almost without a pause, Carson snapped over a hot one across the inside corner. Dan was taken by surprise, and a second strike was called. It was followed by a third.
“This bunch of rubes is soft!” chirruped Bangs from third.
“Whoop! Down they go!” cried Ironton, as the big Nippen stalked out.
“Who’s the cow?” inquired Murray, from second. Carson grinned.
“This is an animal show, Bully,” snapped Squint. “Watch the elephant fan his ears!”
The crowd could not help laughing at the awkward figure of Nippen. Carson burned a hot one across. Nippen swung, after it had plunked home.
“Gone to sleep at the switch!” grunted Squint, while the bleachers roared a storm of advice and criticism. The big fellow flushed angrily.
“Hit him in the ribs and wake him up!” cried Murray.
Carson grinned again. He sent over a smoking-hot ball that forced Nippen to leap back. The huge fruit-picker looked at him furiously.
“You watch out!” he cried warmly.