These and various other cries came from the crowd, the most of whom knew the umpire.
The umpire ordered Marcey back into position. The batter grouchily picked up his bat and prepared to strike, muttering sullenly all the while.
Frank proceeded to whistle over a high one that was declared a ball. Then he used a “dope,” at which Marcey struck too soon.
“He’s no fool of a pitcher,” muttered the captain of the Outcasts. “I’m afraid he’s going to be a hard man to hit safely.”
This opinion he did not express to the others.
Marcey was finally fooled with Merry’s new curve, striking out.
“Come on, Bimm!” urged Hurley. “Put us into the game. Don’t try to knock the cover off the ball. That pitcher is easy enough if you don’t swing your head off trying to hit.”
Bimm was one of the best batters on the team, even though he was a change pitcher. He stepped out fully determined to show the crowd that it was not such a difficult thing to hit Merriwell safely.
“I’d give something to get a two-bagger or better,” he thought.