“We’ll go after it hard, Bart. If I can get the new curve down pat before that game, I may be able to bother some of the batters with it.”
“Some of them! I’ll bet you’ll bother every one of them.”
“Let’s try it some more.”
They resumed practice, and both saw that Merry made progress in handling and controlling the new curve. Bart also advanced in the way of receiving it, for he grew accustomed to the sharp upward shoot of what seemed to be a falling ball.
Finally they stopped and picked up their clothing, which lay on a pile of lumber near by.
Frank had begun to adjust his collar when Bart said:
“Look here, Merry—look quick! Who are these fellows?”
Behind the cover of the lumber pile nine young men had approached. As soon as they realized that they were seen by Bart, they started on the run for the two youths. In their hands some of them carried heavy clubs. They had the manner of thugs.
Merry took a look at them.