Mindful of the fellow’s threats, Frank put all his speed into the next ball. It was a shoulder-high, straight one, that nipped the inside corner of the plate. So fast was it, that Carson instinctively jumped back, then flung down his bat with a curse. As he did so, Johnson leaped toward third. Billy whipped off his mask and slapped the ball to Dan. The lanky chap took it and slammed it down on Johnson in a cloud of dust. The Clippers were retired. “See here, fellows,” pleaded Merry, as he picked out his bat, “this has to stop right now! Cool down, everybody. Billy, you work Carson for your base. Clan, get down to first and coach. We’ve got to break their streak.” And Merry went out to the plate, with a badly demoralized crowd on the bench behind him. CHAPTER XII. CLIPPING THE CLIPPERS. “Here’s the boy wonder!” announced Squint Fletcher. “Soak him in the bean!” As Carson began to wind up, a voice pierced the roar of cheers that startled Frank. It seemed like a voice that he knew well. “Fardale forever! Hurrah for old Fardale!” Merry could not tell whence that voice came, but he gripped his bat hard at the sound of it. Carson unwound, and a white streak shot toward the plate. Whether he intended it or not, the ball came straight for Frank, who was forced to step back. Squint grinned. “Look out for your bean!” Again Carson sent the ball whizzing down, but this time Merry connected. There was a crack, and the sphere went sailing over second, and Frank went to first. “Hold it!” cautioned Clancy, as Billy came up to the plate. “Here’s the champion human mistake, Bully!” sang out Squint. Carson gave Billy a black look and whipped over the horsehide. “Ball--one!” announced the umpire. A storm of cheers floated across the field. The next ball broke sharply. It struck Billy on the arm, and the backstop at once flung away his bat and took first. He gave Frank a grin as the latter advanced. Spaulding came up, and Carson fanned him. The Clippers were evidently waking up. Moore managed to pop up a weak fly, which Ironton gathered in easily. Henderson followed, and struck out, leaving Billy on first and Frank marooned on second. Two innings were finished, and the Clippers were one run to the good. In the third, Merry shut out the Clippers, but, although McCarthy connected for a long drive, he was caught trying for third. In the fourth the heavy end of the Clippers was up, but Burkett, Bangs, and Ironton fanned in beautiful harmony. Clancy was up for the Clippings. “Lay out a soft one, Clan,” said Merry. “This has been an old-time slugging match so far. Get to first, and work the hit-and-run.” The red-haired chap nodded and stepped to the plate. Carson sent over a wide one, and Clancy swung viciously, drawing a chuckle from Squint. Again he swung at a poor one, then Carson lashed a fast high one across.