Cameron had played into his hands without knowing it.
The practice of the locals was soon over.
Then big Dick Starbright was accepted as the umpire. The time for the game to begin had arrived. Merriwell gave the signal, and his players ran out onto the field, scattering to their different positions.
Frank entered the pitcher’s box.
“Play ball!” cried Starbright.
At this point, to the astonishment of Frank, the mysterious veiled woman darted onto the diamond and grasped his arm with her gloved hand.
“Win this game, Frank Merriwell!” she urged huskily. “My fortune—yes, my life—depends upon it!”
CHAPTER XVII
THE VEILED WOMAN’S SECRET.
“I assure you, Miss Blake, that I shall do my best to win,” said Merriwell wonderingly; “but I can’t understand what you mean by the statement that your fortune and your life depend upon it.”