Factor now keyed himself up and pitched at his best. Gardner drove out a short fly that was captured, while Black followed with a longer one that was taken by an outfielder, on which Arlington reached third. Flint now came up once more and was given an ovation. This time he drove a hot one along the ground, and Grace barely touched it as it went bounding past. On this Arlington scored. The Fardale boys were wild with delight. They shouted until they were hoarse. Bradley did his best to follow the good example that had been set for him, but at last Factor woke up and struck the latter out, which retired the home team; but not, however, until three tallies had been added to their score, which left them, at the close of the second inning, five in the lead. CHAPTER III. GREAT NORTHERN FINDS ARLINGTON. By this time the cadets were jubilant, and Chester Arlington was greatly puffed up over his success. The Fardale boys had anticipated nothing like this, and they were beginning to believe their team would take the game with ease. “This is Arlington’s day,” declared Clint Shaw. “He struck it right this time.” “He’s pitching a great game,” muttered Tom Walker. “Rats!” growled Marsh. “Pitching nothing! It’s the support he’s had. Those chaps have hit him right along, but good luck has prevented them from piling up runs.” “There has been lots of luck to it,” nodded Preston. “I should say so!” snarled Marsh; “but you fellows wait—wait and see! If they keep on hitting the ball that way, they will put him to the stable before the game is over.” Again Arlington’s support enabled him to hold the enemy down and keep them from scoring. Chester was in high spirits as he came in to the bench and sat down beside Merriwell. “I thought I could hold them down to-day,” he laughed. “You’re doing well,” declared Dick. “Keep the good work up.” At the first opportunity Buckhart slid up to Dick’s side and muttered: “You want to watch him close, partner. See how those fellows found the ball. Don’t sit still and let them pound out a victory when they get started. If we can hold them down now we have got the game. Arlington will take all the credit if we win.” “He deserves some credit,” declared Dick. “But you can see the kind of support he is getting. Why, Gardner could pitch a winning game with that support!” Although June Arlington was well pleased by what was happening, she knew enough about baseball to understand that great credit was due her brother’s backers for the success he was having. Zona Desmond, however, did not look at it in this light. “I knew what he could do if he had the chance,” laughed Zona. “He hasn’t been given a fair show before this. Now, just look what is happening, and he is pitching against the hardest team Fardale will have to face this season. Aren’t you delighted, June?” “Of course I am,” nodded June.