How that ball traveled! Almost on a line it whistled through the air in the direction of the right field bleachers. On and on went that terrific, screeching liner straight into the crowd in the bleachers who scrambled frantically to get out of its path.
Round the bases went Joe, amid shouts and yells that were deafening. Down on the home plate he came with both feet. The game was won, the series was over and the Giants were the champions of the world!
Like a deer Joe made for the clubhouse, to escape the crowds that came swarming over the field. He reached it just as a man was being carried inside.
“What’s the matter?” he asked. “Any one hurt?”
“Only a glancing blow,” remarked the club doctor, who had been looking the man over. “He’s dazed, but he’ll come to his senses soon.”
Joe bent over to look at him and started back in surprise.
“Why, I know that man!” he exclaimed. “His name’s Fleming!”
“It’s Fleming all right,” said Jim’s voice beside him. “And he’s got just what was coming to him.”
Joe looked up and saw Jim and Reggie. They were grave and worried, and Joe’s sixth sense told him that something was wrong.