A homer it was, for Gallup reached the pan ahead of the ball, which Grifford had returned to the diamond.
Frank seized Ephraim by the hand as he came over the plate. The rest of the team rushed at the Vermonter, hammering him joyously over the head and shoulders, much to the agitation of Teresa, who feared her husband had done some terrible thing and that his friends were beating him on that account.
Bender looked sick and weary as Carson seized a bat and rushed out to the plate. The pitcher delivered an easy one, which Berlin drove into left field. Roach took the ball on the run, and this made the third out.
Casper Silence was like a caged tiger as the Rovers gathered at the bench.
"Get in here and win this game, you slobs!" he hissed. "If you don't, this team disbands to-night!"
Against Frank Merriwell's pitching there was no chance for them, however. As in the previous inning, only three men faced Merry, and all three struck out.
Gallup overtook Frank ere the excited crowd that rushed onto the field could reach Merry.
"It's ten thousand for the consumptives' home at Wellsburg, by ginger!" laughed Ephraim.
"Remember your promise, Gallup," said Frank, as he seized the Vermonter's hand. "You'll never bet again."
"Never again!" vowed Ephraim.