Merry had been trying different kinds of balls and different positions on the alley, seeking to discover just where he could do his best work. Now he opened with a cross-ball, which struck the bunch on the quarter and swept them down clatteringly. A shout went up, for it was seen that but one pin remained standing, and that one was tottering and swaying.
“Go down, you scoundrel!” roared Browning.
But it refused to obey the command, settling into position.
“Robbery!” declared Starbright. “You should have had it, Frank. All the same”—with a quick glance at Inza—“I’m very glad you didn’t get it.”
Merry made no complaint, but sent the next ball true as a bullet from a gun, clipping down the pin and making a spare.
“Here’s where you gain,” said Browning.
But Starbright seemed on his mettle, and he proceeded to duplicate Merry’s performance, making a particularly difficult spare.
“He refuses to let me overtake him!” exclaimed Frank.
“Gentlemen,” cried Ready, “have you no pity for a poor working boy? Please leave a few standing once in a while!”
Frank had decided that the cross-ball was the one to use, and now he made ready to get all he could on his spare. There was a hush as he picked up the first ball and sent it spinning anglewise down the alley.