Chuckleson lifted a foul that dropped into Shackleton's mitt.
"Two gone, Spark—two gone!" barked Bubbs. "Now you can hold 'em!"
Hodge whispered instructions to Graves. Graves walked out, held his bat on his shoulder, and stood like a post while Dale pitched. Somehow the very fact that Lawrence seemed so utterly unconcerned appeared to rattle Dale, who finally passed him to first, filling the bases.
"Too bad Slick is next," muttered Scrogg, as Oliver took his turn at bat.
Slick drove a sharp grounder at Netterby, who booted it into the diamond, and a run came in before the ball could be recovered.
Oliver was safe on first, and the sacks were still full.
The score was tied once more. Carson walked out and laced out a handsome single, which brought in two runs.
"How Featherstone would rejoice had he lingered!" muttered Sparkfair. "They're getting away with this game. I must stop it—I will!"
In spite of this determination, another error let in still another run, and Sim Scrogg reached first.
At last Sparkfair found a victim, and Shackleton fanned.