The coacher warned Hanson to play safe, and Jack, the second-baseman of the Stars, advanced to the plate. Using such skill as he could command with his bad arm, Merry struck Jack out. Hanson had been forced to cling to first.
Maloney followed as a batter. On the first ball pitched Hanson started for second. Maloney slashed at the ball with a wide swing that was intended to baffle Hodge in his throw to second.
Bart put the ball down like a bullet. Hanson was coming fast, and he slid feet first.
It is possible that Rattleton thought of Hanson’s spikes, for he changed his position and muffed the ball. Hanson slid under and was safe.
“Hard luck, Harry!” exclaimed Frank. “You had him if you’d held it!”
“Somebody ought to shoot me!” muttered Rattleton, his face red as a beet.
Frank gave Maloney one close to his hands, and the batter hit it down to Ready. Jack picked the ball up and turned to see where Hanson was. Hanson was about three yards off second, so Ready sent the ball across the diamond to first. The instant Ready threw, Hanson streaked it for third.
Maloney could run like a deer, and he beat the throw to first.
Browning did not wait for a decision, but sent the ball back to Ready, who, seeing Hanson coming, had leaped to cover third. The throw was not accurate, and Jack was pulled off third about two feet, which was enough to save Hanson, who slid round behind him and was safe.