In that inning, however, a base on balls, a hit, and an error by Hodge placed two of the academy players on bases and as they quickly attempted a double steal, Ned threw swiftly to Hodge on third base. A groan arose from the supporters of the nine when the ball went far over Hodge’s head and before he had raced back and secured it both players had run home and the score was tied!
Again pandemonium seemed to reign among the spectators. Every play and every player was wildly cheered, but both nines failed to score in the ninth inning. The tenth and eleventh innings also failed to produce a run for either side. In the twelfth, however, Walter made a hit and again stole second. Ned came to bat with sturdy determination to do or die. The first ball proved to be a strike, then a ball and a strike quickly followed. The next ball he struck with all his might and sent it swiftly down the line directly over third base and before the ball was sent in from left field Walter raced home with another run.
By one consent the spectators rose as the academy nine came to bat in the twelfth inning. Every player was tense and all realized how much depended upon the efforts of everyone.
A shrill cry of delight when the first man struck out was followed by a groan when the short fly of the next batter was squarely muffed by Streator. The runner started for second on the first ball pitched, but when Ned’s throw was easily caught and the runner was out a renewed shout of glee went up. When the next batter at last struck out there was a wild scene. Boys and men rushed upon the field and singing, shouting, dancing in their excitement, started for Dan. The young pitcher, however, had fled for the dressing-room and was nowhere to be seen. It was enough that the game and the championship had been won.
The following day the nine met to elect a captain for the following year. When Ned called the meeting to order and declared nominations to be in order, there was only one name presented—that of Dan Richards.
Slowly rising in his seat, Dan said quietly: “I thank you, fellows, for the honor you have given me. I didn’t want you to do it. I’ve got enough to do to try to do my work in the box without the other. If you are willing I’d rather have you leave me free. I think Walter would make a good captain. He made two of the three runs in the last game——”
A storm of protests arose, which were led by Walter himself, but all that Dan would agree to was to wait until fall before he would definitely decide.
The day after the closing of the school Dan and Walter were seated together in the train that was swiftly carrying them to Rodman.
“Walter,” said Dan slowly, when at last the two boys were near their destination, “I’m not very much of a talker. I never have said much to you about what you have done for me——”
“Don’t say a word, Dan,” broke in Walter, his face flushing. “You’re not the one to talk.”