But now Westcott aroused himself, and, although Gardner tried his level best to make a hit, it was no use. He finally struck out, and at the close of the third inning the score stood three to one in Franklin’s favor. “Why, this is a fine little game!” nodded Wiley. “This is the sort of a game to provide undiluted amusement for the numerous visitors assembled to observe the seething conflict.” Suddenly Abe clutched the sailor nervously, as he exclaimed: “There! there! That umpire is talking to the sandy man who watched me! Look at him!” “There must be a hazy cloud over my optics,” said Wiley, “for I assure you I fail to see the parties in question. Where are they?” “Over there in the crowd,” declared the boy, pointing. “They saw me! The sandy man has gone again!” “Abe, what you need is something for your nerves. When I get that way I take a little spirits fermenti.” Although Abe declared he was certain he was being watched, Wiley fancied it a case of nervousness and gave little attention to anything save the game. CHAPTER XXX. THE LAST EFFORT. The three innings which followed were exciting enough to keep the spectators nerved to the highest pitch. In each inning the contesting teams struggled hard for more scores, but good work and fast fielding prevented either side from obtaining a tally. Franklin came up into the first half of the seventh with Jarley at bat. The clever little shortstop of the visitors bunted the first ball pitched, and managed to reach first ahead of it. Knealy followed with a bunt and was out at first, but Jarley went down to second. “Lace it, Tipton—good old Tip!” sang the Franklin crowd. Tipton smashed a hot one down to the first-base line, and Jarley stretched himself for third. The ball carromed off Singleton’s mitt, and by the time he had secured it and reached first Tipton had crossed the bag, while Jarley was safe on third. “This is our inning!” shouted Madison. “Push ’em hard, fellows! Don’t let up!” Dick sent the first ball to Dickson straight over the centre of the plate, and Dickson flourished his bat at it without trying to hit it. Tipton improved the opportunity to dash down toward second. With a runner on third, it was dangerous for Buckhart to throw the ball to second, but Brad did not hesitate. Quick as a flash, with a short-arm movement, he lined it down. Tipton stopped before reaching second, with the idea of throwing Darrell off in an effort to run him down. At the same time Jarley scudded for the home plate. Darrell did not even glance toward Tipton, but immediately lined the ball back to Buckhart. Brad was in position and caught it. Jarley slid, but the Texan pinned him fast to the ground before his hand could reach the plate, and he was out on a close decision.