Gibbs did not find this easy to do, but he finally succeeded in hitting a furious grounder past Dick. Darrell went for it and made one of his phenomenal pick-ups, electrifying the cadets and bringing a shout of joy from their lips as he tossed the ball to Singleton and put Gibbs out. Gannon was desperate after having two strikes called on him, and he managed to throw out his elbow at an inshoot so that it was hit by the ball. “What do you think of that, Mr. Umpire?” exclaimed Dick. “You saw him do it!” The umpire paid no attention to Dick, but motioned for Gannon to take first. “You can see what you’re up against!” cried Wiley. By this time Madison had lost his jovial humor, and at once he exclaimed: “Keep that man still on the bench, or have him put off, Mr. Umpire!” “You will have to keep still there!” said the umpire, with a motion toward the sailor. “For me that will be a most difficult task,” muttered Wiley. “I am afraid I shall explode if I try it.” Madison fouled the second ball pitched and followed this up by driving the third one straight at Gardner. The ball was twisting fiercely when it struck Earl’s hands, and he failed to hold it. By the time he had recovered it Gannon was on second and Madison close to first. Earl did not throw to Singleton. “Rotten!” he muttered, his face flushing. “That’s all right, old man,” assured Dick. “Don’t worry about that.” Madison hopped about near first, slapping his knee and laughing. “Got ’em going again, fellows!” he cried. “Keep it up, Jarley, my boy! They are rattled!” “I wish I thought it!” squeaked Obediah Tubbs from the bench. Dick worked carefully with Jarley, getting two strikes on him, while two balls had also been called. He then put a speedy one over the inside corner, but the umpire declared it a ball. Buckhart signaled for a drop. Dick threw the ball so it seemed as if it must pass the plate higher than Jarley’s head. It was a magnificent sharp drop, and cut down across the batter’s shoulders. Jarley let it pass. “Take your base!” directed the umpire. “Robbery!” whooped Wiley. “That was a beaut!” The umpire gave him a look. “Forget it! Forget it!” growled the sailor in a low tone. “I am onto your tricks!” The bases were now filled, and Knealy was at the bat. “A little single, Knealy, old huckleberry!” cried Madison from second. “That’s all you want!” “Dern his picter! he will never get it!” squealed Obediah Tubbs. In a few moments, however, it began to look as if a run might be forced in. Although Dick “cut the corners,” the umpire refused to call strikes, and three balls in succession were declared. This was too much for Dick, who turned on the umpire, asking in a low tone: “What’s your price for this job?” “What’s that?” fiercely demanded the fellow. “Are you offering to buy me?” “On the contrary, I am wondering how much you get.” “You play ball!” was the angry command. “You’re getting all that’s coming to you!”