Whiz!—that strangely twisting ball went over the pan.
“Strike one!” cried the umpire.
Bart smiled grimly as he returned the ball.
Whiz—again came the double-shoot, but with curves reversed.
The batter swung hard, missed, fell down.
“Two strikes!”
Bart Hodge showed his teeth. This was Merriwell in form. The speed was enough to make the ball burn through the big catching-mitt.
“Pretty, Merry—pretty!” said Bart.
The batter got up, muttering to himself.