Out on a line whistled the ball, going far into right field, Carson chasing it. Mulloy came sprinting home, while Ephraim went down to second. The throw to second was not good, and Gallup kept on to third, which he reached.
The score was tied, and the Mysteries had a man on third, with no one out.
“Isn’t that awful!” gasped Elsie Bellwood. “I’m afraid they are going to lose the game! Why doesn’t Frank go in and pitch now?”
“Frank will go if he thinks it necessary,” said Inza.
Dick Merriwell was pale, but he did not seem at all rattled. Jones stood up to the plate, and refused to hit anything that was not fairly over. Dick tried to work him too long, with the result that the umpire sent the batter to first on balls.
Hodge threw the ball slowly to first. Something unexpected happened. Quick as a flash, Gallup took advantage of the slow throw to dash for home.
A shout went up. Ephraim flung himself forward in a slide. Browning whistled the ball back to Bart, who took it and swung to touch Gallup.
Ephraim was safe, and the Mysteries had taken the lead. Still not a man was out.
Dick Merriwell seemed dazed, which led Jones to fancy he could steal second. He started before the boy had made a motion to deliver the ball to the next batter, and Dick suddenly whirled and threw to Rattleton.