CHAPTER XVIII.
THE GREAT HIT.
It was a great game after the bad first inning. Up to the eighth neither side made any further scores. In the last of the eighth, however, through wildness, Dick gave the first man up a base on balls. The next batter sacrificed the runner to second. Then Dick gave another bag. On top of that, the next hitter batted one to Ready, who fumbled it long enough to fill the bags.
Only one man was out.
Then up from the bench rose Frank Merriwell. In the midst of the game he had been very sick, but now his brain seemed clear and his hand felt steady. Into the diamond he walked, and Dick walked out.
The crowd shouted.
“Remember how they hit him in the first inning!” “It’s all over now!” “They’ll make a dozen!” “Move back your outfielders!”
Frank took the ball and looked at Bart, who gave a sign. Merry shook his head, and assumed a position that indicated he was about to use the double-shoot.
Every man on the field knew what was coming. The batter, however, was not prepared.