Two balls were called. Bender attempted to curve one over, but missed the plate by fully six inches.
"Three balls!" came from Carker.
"Smash it if he puts one over!" called Frank.
Browning gripped his bat and stood ready.
The crowd was silent and breathless.
Bender tried to put a speedy ball across Bruce's shoulders, but it was far too high.
"Four balls—take your base!" cried Carker.
"The best thing you could have done, Mitt," laughed McCann. "Here comes the tall jay, and he never made a hit in his life."
Ephraim Gallup's hands were trembling as he picked up a bat and walked out. His legs were weak, and there was a mist before his eyes.
"I'll never touch it!" he whispered to himself. "There's too much depending on it; I can't do it!"