"Suffering doughnuts!" gasped Tom. "Why didn't he swing on it?"
"I've heard it is hard to lam the ball when Tippen is on deck," said "Jack Frost." "Cheer up, Tom. The game isn't lost yet."
Once more the pitcher sent in the ball.
"Strike two!"
"Great Scott!" breathed Tom. "Gee! I hope Dave takes a chance on the next."
Dave Brandon had no intention of being caught napping a third time. He had been stunned into momentary inaction by Tippen's terrific speed and the quickness with which he delivered the ball. Doggedly determined, he faced the pitcher, realizing that the eyes of hundreds were upon him, and that he was there for the good of the school. Out of the corner of his eye he caught a glimpse of Professors Hopkins and Ivins and Mr. Rupert Barry. Warily, he watched the cool, grinning face of Tippen.
But the inshoot which Dave half expected did not come. Instead Tony Tippen slipped over a tantalizing slow ball, and Dave's vicious lunge came a fraction of a second too late.
"Three strikes and out!" bawled the umpire, amid shouts of approval from the Star crowd.
The rest of the inning passed quickly, not a player reaching first.
The members of the school team looked glum but resolute as they sallied out into the field. They had not started off with the dash and brilliancy many expected.