So the cries ran on, and when the Colby Hall nine came in from the field the young pitcher was wildly applauded.
In the meantime, however, Gif ran to him anxiously.
"It was the best ever, Jack, but did it hurt your hand—I mean enough to stop your pitching?"
"It's not going to stop my pitching, Gif," answered the young pitcher. His hand stung as if burnt by fire, but he was not going to admit it.
"Oh, wasn't that a glorious play!" burst out Ruth Stevenson, and her glowing face showed her pleasure.
"I hope Jack wasn't hurt," answered the young captain's sister solicitously.
There was another cheering when Dan Soppinger stepped to the plate with his bat in hand. Dan had two strikes called on him, and then sent a fly to left field which was gathered in with ease.
"One out! Keep it up, Longley!"
"Don't let 'em see first!"
Gif was the next player up, and by hard work he managed to rap out a single between short and second, which carried him to first in safety. But the next two players failed to connect with the sphere, and the goose egg went up on the board for the cadets.