But, alas for hopes! Many things happened in the last half of the sixth, and when they were done occurring there were four runs chalked up for Boxer. Tom rather lost control of himself, and had walked two men, while there was ragged field work to account for the rest of the disaster. And now the score stood 12 to 3 in favor of Boxer Hall. It seemed like a farce, and even Boxer Hall was tired of cheering herself. Tom saw the championship slipping away after all his hard work. Even Bricktop Molloy, usually cheerful in the face of heavy odds, did not smile, and Mr. Leighton looked gloomy. "Well, let the slaughter go on," remarked Tom, as he came in with his men, to see what the seventh inning held in store for them. "I guess you'd better let Evert pitch the rest of the game, Mr. Leighton," said Tom, as he sat down on the bench beside the coach. "He can't do any worse than I've done." "Nonsense! Things may take a turn even yet, though I admit they look rather bad for us. I hope----" But Mr. Leighton did not finish. There seemed to be some dispute with the man on guard at the players' gate. "No, you can't go in," said the official. "How do I know you are a member of the Randall team?" "Why, of course I am!" cried a voice, and, at the sound of it, Tom looked up quickly. "Sid Henderson!" exclaimed the captain. "Oh, Tom! Tom!" cried Sid. "Am I in time?" and he pushed past the gate tender. "In time? Yes, to see us walloped," answered the captain bitterly. "In time? What do you mean?" and Mr. Leighton caught at a strange note in Sid's voice. "To play the game!" "Play the game?" Tom had leaped to his feet. "Yes. It's all right. Here's a note from Dr. Churchill. The ban is removed. I can play--I can play!" Tom ran over, and threw his arms around Sid. The game came to a sudden stop. The note was examined. Mr. Leighton told the umpire to make the announcement that Sid Henderson would bat for Pete Backus that inning, and take his place in the game after that. "I protest!" cried Langridge, coming up with an ugly look on his face. There was a conference of the officials, but in the end they had to admit that Sid was eligible, and the game started again. But with what a different feeling among the Randall players! It was as if new life had been infused into them. Bean Perkins started the song, "We're Going to Wallop 'em Now!" and it was roared out from several hundred lusty throats.