Cronin let it pass.
“Ba-a-a-all—ah!” came from the umpire.
“He’s got to put it over, Billy,” chirped Rush.
Hodge snapped the ball back to Frank, who instantly returned it.
Cronin was caught napping and did not try to hit.
It cut the plate in halves.
“Str-r-r-rike—kah two!”
“Come, come, Mr. Batter!” yelled one of the spectators; “smoke up! You’re in a trance.”
“It surely is a thing of exceeding great delight,” again murmured Ready.
Cronin was somewhat disgusted. He was not, as a rule, the sort of chap to be caught in such a manner, and it made him sore. His face flushed and his eyes glinted. He gripped his bat and stood ready for anything.