"Keep open your eye for der curf uf der ball," warned Hans. "Uf I use too much speed for you, chust let me tell you so."
He presented a comical spectacle as he flourished, his arm with a windmill motion and delivered the ball to Bart. It was high and wide, but Hodge cuffed it down.
"Ho! ho!" shouted the Dutchman. "Did dot rise see you? Vosn't it a peauty, Part?"
"That was a great rise!" said Hodge. "Better try a drop next time. Get 'em lower."
On receiving the ball Hans made another flourishing motion, shut his eyes, and threw the sphere with great force straight at the ground in front of him.
"Mine cootness!" he gasped. "I vill haf to look oudt for dot drop. It vos a corker."
"Better start off with a straight ball," advised Hodge. "Give these youngsters a show. They can't hit your curves, Hans."
"I pelief me," nodded Dunnerwurst soberly. "Your advice vill took me."
A few moments later he announced that he was ready, and Bob Bubbs stepped out as the first batter.
Hans hit Bob with the first ball pitched, and Kilgore, who was umpiring, sent Towser to first.