Badger can't use his speed, for
Ready can't hold him. Are you going to let those fellows lose this game
in the first inning, Merriwell? If you do, I'll kick myself for a week
for being chump enough to get out here and swear for nothing."
"It's a handicap not to have Hodge," admitted Frank.
Browning felt like saying it was a handicap not to have Frank in the
box, but, fancying he had said enough in that line, he kept still.
Badger's face took on a hard look. He motioned for Ready to come down
and advanced to meet him. A few words passed between them, while the
Hartford "fans" guyed them.
This little talk seemed to bear good fruit, for the Westerner fooled the
next batter with two drops, getting two strikes called. Then he tried
"coaxers" till three balls were called on him, and again, with every
runner taking all the "lead" he dared, the excitement was at a high
pitch.
Frank feared for the result.
"Oh, for Hodge!" he thought. "I see now that our handicap means disaster
unless the wind changes." Ready was crouching under the bat, nervous,
but determined. Badger took his time, but put terrible speed into the
next ball, which he sent over the inner corner of the plate. The batter
struck at it, but missed clean.
Plunk! the ball struck in Ready's hand.
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