Joe, with his eye on Axander’s slightest motion, took as long a lead as he dared.
Up went Axander’s hands against his chest. He was going to pitch. Joe set himself and by the time the ball had shot from the pitcher’s hand was already halfway to second. He came into the bag standing up, for by the time the ball had reached the catcher he had gained such a commanding lead that that individual saw that it was useless to make the throw.
So far, so good. A great deal had been gained. Now, even a single would bring him in.
Larry, too, was elated, for now he thought he would be permitted to take his chance with the ball.
But what was his perplexity and consternation when Joe from second again gave him the signal to wait.
Baseball Joe had figured out the situation carefully, weighing all the chances. Larry might of course make a hit. If he did, that would win the game.
But the chances were at least three or four to one that Larry would not hit safely. In that case, Joe would be left on the base and the game would go into extra innings with all the chances of a possible final defeat for the Giants.
Of course, Larry’s attempt to wait Axander out was itself fraught with danger. He might be called out on strikes. Even if he resorted to fouling off, one of the fouls might be caught and the jig would be up.
It was all a gamble. And since it was a gamble, Joe decided to bet on himself.
He danced around second, trying to draw a throw on the chance that it might be wild and the ball go out to center. Twice Axander took the chance, wheeling and throwing like a flash. But Joe’s foot was always on the bag and he grinned tantalizingly at the worried pitcher.