“He is pretty sure to be at the hotel.”
“Take a cab,” instructed Merry. “I’ll pay for it.”
While Frank did not take much stock in mascots, he felt that the appearance of the old Indian might serve to arouse the players at a time when it would be possible to win the game. So Greg hastened away, leaving the ball-ground.
The game continued. The professionals had no trouble in holding their lead up to the close of the eighth inning.
Frank’s team came to the bat in the beginning of the ninth with Ready up as a starter.
“Here is where we must do it!” exclaimed Frank. “It takes two to tie and three to win. Let’s get right into the game and make the runs.”
Jack felt his nerves quiver as he walked out to the plate, but he refused to go after the first high one Nesbitt sent over.
Then the pitcher gave Ready a drop, which he failed to touch. The third one looked good, and Jack hit it. It went bounding merrily down the line toward first, and Hayward gathered it in, touching the bag. One man was out.
“Only two more, Nes!” cried the players on the field.