“Work his feet, Dan,” called Walter as he himself began to move the arms of the player much after the manner in which the handle of a pump is manipulated. There were expressions of anger to be seen on the faces of the people that instantly rushed upon the field, and for a moment there were signs of serious trouble. Fortunately the Rodman first-baseman quickly recovered and arose, though he stood for a brief time pale and trembling. With his recovery the threatening peril of a conflict was avoided and slowly the assembly began to depart from the field.

“Dan, that was a wonderful catch you made,” said Walter quietly, as he joined his friend.

“Was it?” laughed Dan, elated by the words of praise.

“Yes; though the best thing you did was when you sent the ball like a shot to second,” said Walter.

“Nat Carey wasn’t asleep. He got the ball to first in time to catch the runner. Nat played a good game to-day at second.”

“That is the first time I ever saw a triple play.”

“Is it?”

“Yes. It was great.”

“It saved the day, I guess.”