The catcher came limping up and the game was resumed. But no more runs were made and the innings came to an end with another tied score, 6 to 6. Then came a long wait.
“I hope they don’t call it off on account of not having another substitute,” said Frank. And then he continued: “I wonder where Mark is? He isn’t down at the bench.”
A minute later the American team came from their dressing room, where they had been in conference, and ran to their various positions on the field.
As they did so the boys in the stand gave a cry of amazement.
“Well, I never!” came from Darry.
“Is it really Mark?” questioned Sam.
“Of course it is!” shouted Frank, leaping to his feet and swinging his cap. “It’s Mark, and he’s going to play second base!”
CHAPTER XIV
WINNING A VICTORY
Frank was right, one of the two substitute players to go forth was really Mark, and he had run across the diamond to fill the important position mentioned.
The explanation of this state of affairs is very simple. On being introduced to the player from Rochester Mark had discovered that he had met the fellow before, and a long talk on baseball matters followed. Then Mark was introduced to the captain of the team, who told of the way they were handicapped with only one substitute player, two others having disappointed him, and of the fact that the second baseman was liable to give out at any moment.