“I’ll see next inning,” said Captain Ned brusquely. “We seem to be getting on fairly well without him.”
“Give him a chance, Ned,” pleaded Dan. “I know how he feels.”
“I know how he ought to feel,” growled Ned. “I’ll see about him when we come in to bat again.”
Dan said no more and walked slowly toward the pitcher’s box. Already the infield players had taken their places and the ball was being passed swiftly from one to another. The noisy demonstrations of the spectators now had given place to a deeper, though more quiet, feeling of excitement. Every play was watched anxiously and in spite of the prevailing quiet Dan knew as well as the other players that the shouts and cheers would break forth again at the first opportunity a hit or play might provide.
Dan was standing with his face toward third base watching the work of Hodge, who at that moment was throwing across the diamond to Gus, the latter quickly and swiftly returning the ball.
Suddenly Gus threw swiftly to Dan, who was unaware of the change. “Look out! Look out, Dan!” shouted Hodge warningly. But the word was not heard in time by the young pitcher. The ball which Gus had thrown with unusual swiftness struck Dan squarely on his right arm between the elbow and shoulder.
With a cry of pain Dan clasped the spot with his left hand and bending low almost fell to the ground.
CHAPTER XXVIII
THE END OF THE GAME
In a brief time the confusion spread over the entire assembly. Ned ran to his friend and the players of both teams swarmed upon the field. Even the spectators shared in the prevailing excitement and were standing looking interestedly at the group which by this time had surrounded Dan.