Lee stood there calmly awaiting his turn. There was something in his attitude to tell Ralph he had more to fear from the captain of the rival team than any other man on it.
Twice Lee struck at elusive balls. Then he managed to connect with one and sent a screamer at “Bones” Shadduck on third, which that worthy succeeded in knocking down, though recovering the ball just too late to catch the swift runner.
“Now we’re off!” howled the coach, as he came running up to take his place near the man on first.
Hardly had he spoken than the ball came plunk into the hands of Lanky, who had been expecting such a thing. Lee had danced off, as was his usual custom. He made a desperate plunge for the bag, but Lanky got him.
“You’re out!” shouted the umpire, waving his hand suggestively.
Such a whoop as went up! It seemed as though the crowd had gone wild. Bellport supporters looked each other in the face.
“What’s this we’ve struck?” said one, blankly.
“He caught Cuthbert napping, sure! I never knew that to happen before!”
“He’s a wonder at throwing that ball to first. Guess we ain’t going to steal many sacks on that kid to-day, you hear me?” exclaimed another.
“Oh! rats! you give me a pain! That was only an accident. He couldn’t do it again in a year of Sundays!” ejaculated one of the Bellport players who was lounging near the bleachers.