The big fellow leaped out toward first. Bangs darted in to secure the ball, laughing as he did so. He straightened up with it, and slapped it to Burkett, but a cry of amazement went up. Nippen had beaten out the throw!
“Watch the elephant run!” shrieked the fans.
Clancy walked out to the plate, while Chub went down to coach at first.
“Hello, carrot-top!” growled Squint. “Watch out you don’t scorch the ball on his thatch, Bully!”
Carson knew that Clancy was dangerous. He put over a fast drop, but Clan refused to bite. Then came a slow fadeaway, and the red-haired chap took it on the nose.
There was a groan of dismay. The ball soared high, and Merrell raced back toward the fence. Then he stopped, and waited, and the ball came down into his glove.
Nippen, showing poor judgment, had dashed for second as soon as the ball settled softly in Merrell’s glove. The center fielder did not wait an instant, however, and threw the ball to Murray, who made Nippen an easy out.
The Clippings were retired. The inning was over, without a run.
“We’re holding them, fellows,” said Frank quietly, as they walked out. “Keep up the good work, and we’ll win, sure.”
“L-l-look out for Ironton,” snapped Chub, as the Clipper shortstop walked out. “He’s l-l-like-l-ly to start something.”
Billy Mac evidently thought the same thing, for he signaled for the double shoot. Merry shook his head, and compromised on the jump ball. Ironton struck vainly.
“Hoop-a-la!” sang out Clancy. “He’s going!”
“Let him soak it,” pleaded McCarthy. “We’re all behind you, old scout!”
Billy called for a fast drop. Although doubtful of its wisdom, Frank put it across, and Ironton murdered it. With a clean crack, the ball began to soar toward center field, and Ironton went racing toward first.
“Wake up, Nippen!” roared the fans. “What’s the matter with the elephant?”
The huge fruit-picker stood staring up at the ball. Suddenly he turned and began lumbering toward the fence. He did not even look over his shoulder at the ball, but continued through the ten-foot gap, while the crowd sent a storm of catcalls after him.
“He must be going for a swim!” gasped Merry.
“Whoop!” yelled Dan McCarthy. “Look there!”
Nippen had turned abruptly. The ball was seen to fall squarely into his glove--and stick! A wild roar rose from the crowd, then it died away into a groan, as the base umpire motioned Ironton to hold third.