Ralph went into the box for that second inning, resolved to continue his cool methods, and not allow anything to rattle him.
His first man he managed to get with considerable effort. Smith, Jr., was possessed of a good batting eye, and could not be easily fooled with fade-aways and such. Still, he fell before that wonderful spit ball that had such an erratic course, and the umpire finally announced that the sizzling straight one that burned over the plate was the signal for him to go into retirement.
After that Smith, Sr., stood up to give an account of himself. He never appeared without his usual grin, and even the taunts of the crowd did not change his expression an iota.
“Smash!”
That was Smith, Sr.’s bat connecting with the ball.
“Run!” shrieked scores of voices, as the bleachers arose to a man to see just where the ball had gone.
Allison was after it, and making rapid progress over the stubby grass in left.
“He can get it—good old Ben is on the spot!” yelled one well wisher.
“Will he—maybe, maybe not!” sang out Jack Eastwick, mockingly.
Allison did his best to get there; but there was too much steam to that hit, and it escaped him, while Smith cantered home amid a salvo of frenzied shouts.