“Get your base on balls.”
Harry stood up and pretended to be ready to hit, but did not swing. Four balls were called.
Carker came next.
“Get your base on balls,” said Merry grimly.
Carker did not reply.
The first one was over for a strike. Then came a ball. Then another ball. But a strike followed, and Carker’s show looked poor.
Potter tried a very high one, and Greg came near swinging.
“Three balls!” decided the umpire.
Frank rose from the bench, a bat in his hand.
“Do not strike at the next one, Carker,” he plainly said. “If it cuts the plate in two, let it pass.”