When the next hitter came up the man on third proceeded to take long chances in hopes of scoring. The first one was a ball, and the runner on third went back quickly.
The jay faced the batter, rubbing his hands as if to dry them, with the ball under his arm. He then took the sphere and seemed about to start his swinging movements for delivery.
The runner on third got off. Like a flash of light the pitcher threw to third.
The baseman caught the ball and put it onto the runner as the latter tried to get back.
“Out at third!” cried the umpire.
The home team had not scored after filling the bases.
“A-haw! a-haw! a-haw!” laughed the jay.
“A-haw! a-haw! a-haw!” roared his stammering friend on the bleachers.
The spectators were astonished by this sudden play, and then the visiting crowd from over the river broke into a wild shout of satisfaction and applause.