Hodge and Carson removed their coats, vests, collars, and neckties, and prepared for business.
"How does the game stand?" asked Bart, as he walked out to the pitcher's position.
"Score is five to three against you, and this is the sixth inning," answered Sparkfair. "You have your last turn at bat."
"How many men out?"
"Two."
"Come here, catcher," invited Bart. "I'll have to know your signals."
Walter Shackleton hurried to meet Hodge and explained his system of signals. Bart listened and nodded.
"Give me a few minutes to get the kinks out of my arm, Sparkfair?" he asked, as he again resumed the position at the pitching plate.
"Sure, sure," smiled Dale. "Go ahead and unbend your wing."
Hodge threw a dozen balls to Brooks at first. Then, with Lander, the next batter, standing back, he sent two or three over the plate to Shackleton.