“He’s a fool if he does!” declared Hec. “This game isn’t important, and this is Merriwell’s opportunity to let Arlington stay in and get his bumps.” June Arlington had grown pale, for she realized the danger, and it was with difficulty she repressed her agitation. “Why don’t they catch those balls?” exclaimed Zona Desmond. “They can’t,” asserted Doris. “I don’t believe they’re trying,” declared Zona. “They are jealous because Chester is pitching so well, and they don’t want to catch them. What do you think, June?” “I am afraid Dick will have to go in to save the game,” confessed June. “Nonsense!” cried Zona, tossing her head. “How can he save it?” “He might stop that hitting.” “If those fellows will catch the ball it will be all right. I tell you they are not supporting your brother, June.” “I don’t think that is the matter.” “Well, I do! Any one can see it is!” Again Brad Buckhart had cast an appealing look toward Dick. All along the Texan had felt the visitors had a hitting team and might make a spurt any time, and now he was sure the dangerous moment of the game had been reached. Chester set his teeth and faced Minot, the next batter. Minot was a good waiter, and he compelled the Fardale pitcher to put the ball over the plate. Getting one that satisfied him, the batter drove it swiftly along the ground between first and second. By a rapid play, which was astonishing for one so corpulent, Tubbs cuffed the ball to one side, although he did not capture it. Singleton was compelled to get off first to secure the ball, which permitted Minot to reach the bag in safety. With two men on the bases, Brinkley followed the example that had been set by his companions and drove out a two-bagger, which scored Grace and Minot. Still not a Great Northern man had been put out in the inning. Although the cadets had cheered Tubbs for stopping the ball, there seemed a note of apprehension in their voices. Hal Darrell was talking with Day and Whitney, and now Darrell said: “See here, Day, old man, we’re going to lose this game if something isn’t done right away.” “What do you think ought to be done?” questioned the chairman of the committee. “I think Merriwell ought to get in and pitch the game out.” “Why doesn’t he do it?” exclaimed Whitney. “He is there on the bench, and he can go in any time.” “Perhaps he thinks it won’t be right to take Arlington out now.” “Do you favor interfering?” asked Day. “Surely I am not in favor of keeping still and seeing this game lost,” answered Hal. “Perhaps Arlington will take a brace,” observed Whitney. “He’s got to take a brace pretty quick,” said Darrell. “If he doesn’t this game will be gone to the dogs before he knows it.” “If the next man hits safely,” said Day, “I will speak to Merriwell.”