Dade knew Frank had a way of “cutting ice” at critical times, and he did his best to fool Merry. By accident more than otherwise, Dade finally put a fine swift ball right over the plate. Merry met it fairly, and the ball went out on a line.
A shout arose, and Frank flew to first.
“Go on!” shrieked a coacher.
He did not wait to see where the ball was, but kept on to second. The uproar was great, but Frank saw Ready by third motioning for him to come on, and he did not let up. As he came near third Ready motioned for him to stop, but not to slide.
It was a clean three-bagger. But Merriwell had not scored, and Morgan’s team was still one run ahead.
Rattleton was the striker, and he had not made a hit for the day. Morgan resolved that he should not. Harry pretended to be anxious to hit, but he really longed to get first on balls. Dade drove him into a hole, however, by getting two strikes called on him.
Then Mulloy returned the ball to Morgan on a slow throw, and Frank Merriwell scooted for home instantly. It was a desperate thing to do and brought every witness up standing.
Morgan shook with excitement. The moment he caught the ball he threw it, and his throw was bad. Merry slid, while Mulloy fumbled the ball just long enough to let the run in.
The score was tied, and again the Yale cheer came from the group of students about Inza and Elsie.