It was Ready who passed the ball to Thatcher.
Thatcher tried to advance it, but was pocketed by two of the Hopkins defenders. Neither Morgan nor Wilkins was in position to take the ball, so Thatcher was compelled to pass it back to Merriwell.
It was a poor throw, for Mowry was nearer the ball and seemed sure to get it.
How Frank covered ground so fast no one seemed able to tell, but, running like the wind, he thrust out his stick and took the ball just as Mowry was on the point of catching it.
A yell of delight went up from his many admirers.
“Wake up, there, you fellow!” shouted a man. “You didn’t catch it, did you! Ha! ha! ha!”
Kellogg came at Frank, but Merry easily avoided him, holding his club high and swaying it as he ran.
Lowe, however, managed to force Merry off to one side.
Frank passed to Onslaw.