The first ball to come in was high, but Boardman struck at it and missed it. Then he made a vicious sweep at the next ball and missed that likewise.
"Take your time, old man!" sang out Voup. "Make him give you what you want."
As a result Boardman allowed the next ball to pass him, although it was perfect in every way.
"Three strikes—batter out!" came calmly from the umpire.
"It was too high," growled Boardman, but his voice was lost in the cheering and yelling of the Lakeport rooters.
"Two of the best batters they have struck out in one inning!" came the cry. "The Excelsiors had better go home!"
When Fred and Joe appeared on the players' bench, a dozen or more wanted to know what had kept them away so long. They told their story in detail, and many were highly indignant at Voup, Boardman and Marcy.
"We ought to ride 'em on rails," said one man. "They deserve it."
"Tar and feathers would be better," came from another.
"Don't do anything until the game is over," said Joe. "We want to beat them, and do it in a strictly honorable way."