The next ball was wide of the plate, but again a strike was called by the umpire.
“Sus-sus-sus-say!” stuttered Joe, “dud-dud-dud-don’t you want me to lend ye a pup-pup-pup-pair of glasses?”
The next ball was so low that the catcher almost picked it up off the ground, but the umpire loudly announced:
“Batter is out!”
“Rank!” howled a voice.
“Bum!” yelled another.
“Awful! awful!” shrieked a shrill-voiced man.
Then the crowd took it up and jeered at the umpire.
“By George!” exclaimed Wescott, laughing, “I believe the fellow has taken you at your offer, Hazen!”
The corpulent gambler drew a breath of relief.