“You’re a big blow!” he muttered loudly enough for Frank to hear. “Wait till I git anodder chance to t’ump yer! I’ll fix yer, see if I don’t!”
Nesbitt sent in a sharp curve, which Merry let pass, as it was not over; but, to Frank’s dismay, the umpire called another strike.
“Dat’s der stuff!” exclaimed the catcher. “He’s easy, Nes. Put ’em right over der platter.”
But Merry was not at all nervous, and he forced the pitcher to give him a good one that was right over.
Frank felt confident of meeting that ball and getting a hit, but once more McCann touched his bat as he swung, and he simply put up a foul, which the tricky catcher easily captured.
Merry ran out and asked the umpire if he had not seen McCann foul the bat again, but the official shook his head and declared Frank out.
Merry came back and spoke to McCann.
“If you touch my bat again during the game,” he said in a low tone, “I’ll have to hit you.”
“Go ahead!” blustered the ruffianly catcher. “I’d like ter have yer try dat trick once more! I’d swat der packin’s outer yer in less dan a jiffy!”
Merry longed to teach the fellow the lesson he deserved, but his aversion for fighting prevented him from getting into further trouble just then.