"Yah, it vos all ofer," nodded Hans. "A home run vill knock me. Der game vos seddled."
It is probable that almost every one expected to see Hans strike out. After making two strikes, the Dutchman secured a clean single, on which Diamond and Gallup scored.
"Dot vos a mishdake," declared the Dutchman. "Der ball meant to strike me twice as far as dot."
There was great anxiety on both sides as Bart Hodge walked out.
"You can dood it, Hotch!" shouted Hans.
Bart smashed the second ball pitched him, driving it out on a line. Little Bob Bubbs thrust out his left mitt, and the ball spanked into it. It stuck there.
The game was over, and Sparkfair's team had defeated the Merries by a single run.