That stopped them.
McCann was livid with fury. It seemed that he meant to spring at Merriwell, who stood calmly facing him.
"Hold on, you!" said Frank, shaking a finger at the captain of the Rovers. "I want to say just one word, and then you may come at me if you feel like it. I kept the umpire from putting you out of the game. You were out at second, and you know it. If you lift your hand against Carker during the remainder of this game or make any insulting talk to him, I'll back him up if he orders you off the field. Perhaps your team can get along without you. Perhaps it will be better off without you. Take the matter into consideration."
On the temporary bleachers a crowd of Farnham Hall lads, led by Dale Sparkfair, gave a cheer for Merry.
As this cheer died away Uncle Eb Small rose in the stand, waved his crooked cane, and shrilly cried:
"That's right, Frank—that's jest right! We're here to see a game of baseball and not a fight! All the same, if them fellers start a row, we'll back you up to the finish! We know you're a gentleman on the baseball field and off it. You've gut the sympathy of every decent man here."
"That's right! that's right!" came from all sides of the field.
Basil Bearover stepped out from the bench and called McCann's attention.
"Play ball, Mike," he said. "We can win, anyhow. Let the umpire alone."
Muttering to himself, the captain of the Rovers walked in from the field.