"As a pitcher I don't seem to be a howling success," laughed Hodge. "I thought they were going to make half a dozen that trip."
"We've got to get some now," said Carson. "If we don't I see our finish."
"There's another inning. We come to bat last."
"But we can't depend on winning out in the last of the ninth."
"That's right; we do need runs."
Once more Sam Higgins was up to lead off, and Bart spoke a few words of instruction in Sam's ear.
Higgins picked out an opening in the infield and drove a ball through it.
Bunderson bunted once more and was safe on Bubbs' bad throw to first.
"Look out, Spark—look out!" cried the boys. "Here comes Hodge again!"
Sparkfair used all his skill to deceive Bart, and the boy's shoots and curves were indeed enigmas. Hodge could not solve them, and a great shout went up from the boys as Dale finally struck him out.