“It’s a shame to do it,” he declared. “I’m afraid you’ll loss your reputation to-day, my boy.”
“Don’t let that worry you,” said Frank, with perfect good nature.
“Oh, I’m not worrying. Still I’m sorry for you. It can’t be helped, you know. We can’t afford to let you youngsters have this game. The whole Central League would laugh at us.”
The Elks had discovered that Hodge was a beautiful thrower to the bags, and it was not difficult to hold Cronin close to second, although he took sufficient lead to go to third on a sacrifice or any sort of a scratch hit.
Cronin was a fast runner, and Frank knew he might score on a clean single.
Merry worked carefully. Finally, with two strikes and three balls called, he ventured to try the double shoot.
Sparks was fooled handsomely and missed.
“Str-r-r-rike—kah! You’re out!” said the umpire.
“Now you’re doing it, Merry!” nodded Hodge.
But Frank had hurt his ankle with that final delivery, and he limped about the pitching plate a few moments.