The citizens crowded around the two lads and insisted on shaking hands with them and congratulating them over their nerve and success in beating off the holdup men.
“If you don’t mind, young gentlemen,” said the policeman, now addressing them with the greatest respect, “I’d like to have you come to the station and tell the sergeant all about it. This is my beat, but I was down at the other end when I heard the shooting. I came as soon as I could. I think we’ll take this along as a bit of evidence.”
He displayed the human finger, which he now held partly wrapped in a handkerchief. The timid citizen who had witnessed the encounter gave his name and address, stating that he was willing to tell what he knew of the affair at any time.
It happened that there was a police reporter at the station house, and the morning papers contained a complete account of the attempted holdup, the courage of the boys being lavishly praised.
But, with the Manhattan College baseball game only one day away, Dick found himself with a very lame shoulder and an almost useless right arm.
“No use, Kates,” said Dick soberly. “You’ve got to pitch this game. I can’t.”
The time for the game with Manhattan to begin had arrived. Yale Umpty-ten was ready to take the field. The sturdy, bronzed, healthy-looking visitors were on their bench and ready for the fray. O’Mora, the first batter, was swinging two heavy clubs, in order to make one seem lighter when he stepped up to the plate.
Dick had been vainly trying to work the lameness out of his shoulder. His comrades of the team had watched him anxiously, for on him they relied. Unless Dick could pitch, they could not believe there was any chance of defeating the visitors.
But Dick could not pitch. He realized it, and at the last moment he told Kates to go in. Blessed Jones, captain of the team, heard Merriwell’s words, and his long, doleful face suddenly looked longer and more doleful than ever.
“All right, Dick,” he said soberly. “If you can’t, you can’t, and that settles it. Go ahead, Sam, and do your best.”
“Now, that’s encouraging!” muttered Kates, with a touch of bitterness, as he turned to Dick. “What show have I, Merriwell? There is not a man on the team who has any confidence in me.”