Again Frank Merriwell was the first one to hit.
Bud McCann got close under the bat and gave the signal to Nesbitt, who started with a high one. Frank let it pass, and a ball was called.
Then the pitcher started one right at Merry, but Frank fancied it would curve over, so he stood up and swung to meet it. As he did so the hand of McCann struck the bat aside, and Frank did not touch the ball.
Merry turned and gave McCann a hard look. Then he spoke to the umpire, saying:
“Mr. Umpire, will you please keep watch of this man? He fouled my bat that time.”
“Dat’s a lie!” cried the catcher. “I never touched yer bat at all! Ye’re a big stiff if yer says so!”
“Dat’s right, Bud!” cried Squinty. “I was watchin’, an’ he is lyin’ erbout it!”
Frank felt like forcing the fellow to swallow his words, but he wished no further trouble in the game, and so he simply prepared to strike again.
Bud McCann fancied he had driven Merry into his boots, and it gave him a feeling of satisfaction.