Frank had also done some good work during the present season, and sporting papers all over the country had declared that he was one of the very best college "twirlers."
This, however, was Hugh Heffiner's last year at Yale, and, without doubt, the coming game was the last he would ever pitch for "Old Eli."
Until Merriwell appeared, Heffiner had been Yale's mainstay in the box, and his admirers declared that it was pretty sure that a long time would elapse before he would have a worthy successor.
But Heffiner was overworked, and he came near throwing his arm out. As it was, he strained his arm so that he was utterly unable to pitch at all.
Then it was that it was found necessary to find somebody to assist the "change pitcher," Dad Hicks, in his work.
Hicks was good for four or five innings, but he was unable to keep up the strain through an entire game.
Paul Pierson, captain and manager of the Yale nine,
had seen Merriwell do some pitching for the freshmen, and he resolved to give Frank a trial.
Pierson's judgment was not at fault, and Merriwell quickly proved that he was worthy to become Heffiner's successor.
Of course there was much regret because Frank could not be on the bench, at least, ready to go into the game if needed; but all seemed to feel confident that Heffiner would make his last game for Yale a hot one. He had done some marvelous work, and, as he declared himself in prime condition, there was no reason why he should not hold Harvard down on this occasion.