Merry knew the fellow was not nearly as foolish as he appeared. So Frank worked carefully with the batter, using a change of pace, but making no further effort to throw the double shoot.
Finally Tinker put up a foul.
Hodge went after it, although the spectators yelled derisively, thinking he could not touch it.
In some manner the catcher stretched himself amazingly and got the ball on the end of his big mitt as it was falling to the ground.
It bounded off.
On the dead run, Bart caught it a second time.
And held it.
After a moment of silence, the spectators applauded. The people of Elkton were generous enough to recognize a good play, whether made by one of their own team or by an opponent.
“Hard luck, Tink!” cried Rush. “That catcher ought to be decorated with horseshoes.”
“Clever, Bart,” smiled Merry approvingly.