"Give me the best in the shop," called Joe, shaking his bat suggestively.
Brentall signaled for a high inshoot.
The pitcher snapped the ball toward him, putting forth all his efforts to fool the batsman. Next moment, however, a prolonged groan announced that his attempt was wasted. The shrieking, gleeful Rockvillers, waving every available pennant, saw the ball shooting between first and second with terrific speed.
Bob Somers made a wild attempt to stop it, but the sphere bounded high over his head.
Meanwhile Bill Allen was trotting leisurely for home.
"Sic a Goose Hill gander on Singleton!" shouted Benny. "He's only good at pitching quoits. Get him a doughnut—quick."
"No—he takes the biscuit!" yelled Aleck Parks. "One run, and nobody down."
"I remember when I should have called that an exhibition well worth missing," observed Mr. Barry, with a sort of half chuckle. He smiled grimly, as a Rockville supporter was heard exclaiming:
"Did you ever see anything prettier in your life!"
Jeffords, the next batter, hit safely, advancing Wiles to second.