The crowd had been surprised, but it was far from displeased. Having perfect confidence in Wolfers, it rejoiced because the game promised to be close and exciting.
“Frank, you have the goods!” said Hodge, as Merry came to the bench. “Why, I believe you could shoot the ball through a knot hole to-day!”
“My control is pretty good,” nodded Merry.
“Pretty good! It’s marvelous! Can you keep it up?”
“Somehow I think so. I have a feeling that I’ll be able to do just about what I like with the ball through this game.”
“Then the game is ours,” said Hodge.
Merriwell was the first batter in the second inning.
“Let’s see if I can’t give him a little of the medicine he’s been handing out,” Wolfers muttered to himself.
He tried his best to fool Merry, but Frank let the first pitch go for a ball and caught the second one fairly on his bat, lining it out for two bags.
Wolfers turned green.