"I've gut him," thought Ephraim. "He's in a trance."
Gallup attempted to put another one straight over, but to his consternation Lander woke up, hit the ball a crack and drove it skimming along the ground out of the diamond.
"You vos a dandy—you vas a dandy!" squawked Dunnerwurst.
Perspiration started out on Ephraim's face, and he looked decidedly annoyed. His annoyance reached a climax when Brooks landed on the ball for two bases, scoring Crowfoot and Lander.
"I guess that's enough for me, Frank," said Ephraim, as he walked out of the box. "I kinder judge you'll have to go in yourself. Them fellers has made seven runs, and there ain't a tarnal man out."
"Yes, it's about time for you to go in, Merry," nodded Hodge.
Frank thought so himself.
Gallup retired to his regular position in center field. Dunnerwurst took right field, and Carson came in to play short.
Merry entered the box. And Thad Barking astonished every one by lacing out a clean single.
Following this Bob Bubbs put up a foul, which was captured by Hodge. Brooks was caught off his base, and the agony ended when Netterby struck out.