The runner scored.
Before Hodge could recover the ball and return it to the diamond the man who had hit it was safe on third.
Basil Bearover slapped Casper Silence on the shoulder.
"We've got them now!" he chuckled. "They'll never get a run off Bender! The game is ours! You've won that ten thousand!"
"It looks that way," replied Silence, as he produced a fresh cigarette and lighted it. "It's a pretty good thing for me that we have got them. I counted on winning this game a great deal easier than this. Had we lost, I'd been practically busted. I'm afraid the Rovers would have been compelled to disband."
Imagine the feelings of Gallup. After making that throw Ephraim walked round and round in a circle for at least half a dozen times.
"That's abaout the most expensive gol-darned fool thing I ever done!" he mumbled to himself. "Waal, by gum, I deserve it! Any man that's fool enough to bet every dollar he's gut in the world on a baseball game oughter lose. I don't keer a rap for myself, but Frank was right in saying I had no business to throw away money that my wife and kid has a claim on. I guess this will teach me a lesson. I won't be able to look Teresa in the face arter this game is over."
He was aroused by Merry's voice calling him to take his position and play ball.
"Better put a baby in my place, Frank." he said dolefully. "Any blamed fool could do better'n I'm doing to-day. I guess I've lost the game."
"The game isn't over yet," said Frank grimly. "We'll play it out."