Tom tried it again a minute later, after he had slipped one across on the next batsman, but the result was the same. Then he gave his attention to the plate and easily disposed of the Lynton third baseman. With two out, the Blues breathed easier, but the trouble was not over for the inning. Smith, who had proved his ability to take a long lead and escape punishment, did what he was expected to and stole third so neatly that, by the time Sam had stepped aside to avoid the batsman, there was no use in making the throw. With two-and-two, Sam called for a low one in the groove, hoping to fool the batter. But that youth managed in some way to connect and the ball went bounding across to shortstop. It would have been a simple matter to get the ball and field it to first in time to retire Lynton, but Gordon Smith “booted” badly and his namesake tallied Lynton’s first run. The half was over a minute later when Sam, signalling for a wide one, threw to second and caught the runner sliding. Some of the Blues did a little grumbling when they returned to the bench. The general sentiment was to the effect that Smith ought to be protested. Either that or the home team should enlist the services of Mr. Talbot or Mr. Hall. Tom, however, refused to consider the first plan, declaring that if they were going to object to Smith they should have done it before the game started. “Then why not ask Mr. Talbot to play?” demanded Bert Meyers. “He doesn’t want to. If we can’t lick them any other way, though, Mr. Hall will go in and pitch for us.” “We don’t need anyone else to pitch,” grumbled Buster Healey. “We need someone to hit!” “Try it yourself, Buster,” said Tom. “You’re up next.” “That’s all right, but that fellow’s a big league pitcher. You can’t fool me! Tom Hughes says he saw him pitch for Cleveland last year.” “Tommy’s a fibber, I guess. Anyway, don’t give up before you get to the plate, Buster. Try a bunt.” Buster did try a bunt, and missed. And then he tried to hit it out and missed. And after that he tried waiting--and missed. And, when he was once more seated comfortably on the bench, he growled uncomplimentary remarks about Pitcher Smith! There was no scoring in that half of the second and none in either half of the third. Tom managed to hold the enemy hitless, although the Lynton captain came very near to reaching first on a smash that almost carried third baseman off his feet. The ball and the runner reached the first sack at about the same instant, and Mr. George’s decision might well have been made either way. He ruled the runner out, however, and quickly quelled the mutinous murmurs of the Lynton team. Mr. George, who seemed to be having a very good time of it, conducted himself like a league umpire and there was something in his “That’ll do! Play ball!” that discouraged protest.