The visiting pitcher followed this up with a sharp drop, which came down across Bart's shoulders. Again Bart declined to swing.
"Two strikes!" cried Carker.
Bart did not kick. He did not even frown, although he realized he had failed to swing at two fair balls.
The next ball was wide. Then followed a high one.
Hodge hit the next ball and put up an infield fly, which was easily captured by McCann. Mulloy had promptly returned to first as soon as he realized the ball was going to the infield.
Frank Merriwell received an ovation from the crowd as he stepped out with a bat in his hand. He held the bat in a position which was a signal for Mulloy to attempt to steal on the first ball pitched.
Merry swung at the ball, but was careful not to hit it. Mulloy went down to second.
Bancroft made a sharp short-arm throw. Clover took the ball handsomely, and Mulloy was tagged as he slid.
"Out!" announced Carker.
"Why, the kids think they can steal on ye, Mitt!" sneered McCann, while the Rovers, with the exception of Bender, shouted with laughter.