"Now, take your time and don't get excited, Link," whispered Joe. "Even if they do get a run or two, it won't matter."
"I'll do my best," answered the new pitcher. "Of course, I don't expect to hold them down as you did."
The first player to face Link was a good batter, yet all he managed to get was a one-base hit. The next batter went out on strikes, and the crowd cheered lustily.
"Good for Link Darrow! He knows how to pitch, too!"
The next boy to the bat struck a short fly to left field and managed to get to first, while the other runner got to third. Then came a low ball between first and second bases. As will happen at times, it was missed by both the basemen, and before it could be secured the runner on third came home.
"One run for Excelsiors!"
"Keep it up, fellows!"
"Don't mind that, Link," said Fred. "You're doing all right."
Link bent to his work with a will and put the next man out on strikes, and again the crowd cheered wildly.
"Good for little Link Darrow!"