Frank took a chance with Glade, making a long swing before delivering the ball, and then sending it in with great speed. Glade fancied he saw his opportunity to steal on that swing, and he tried it. Few who saw the Elkton man go down from first fancied it would be possible for Bart to catch him at second. The ball had been delivered so that it came into the hands of Bart just right for a quick throw. He waited not a second in making a long swing, but snapped it with a short-arm movement. As true as a bullet from a rifle it flew into the hands of Rattles at second. And it came just right for Harry to put it onto the runner. Glade saw his danger and tried to slide under, but Rattleton pinned him fast to the ground. Once more Spud Bailey stood on his head, and once more Freckles kicked him over. The spectators were generous with their applause, for they recognized the fact that Bart had made a wonderful throw. “That’s a good whip you have, young fellow,” said the big man. “Pretty work, Hodge!” smiled Frank. “I thought he would try it. Can’t fool many of them that way if you keep up that throwing.” “Oh, they’ll work for this game if they get it!” said Hodge. “Haw! haw!” laughed Tinker mockingly. “Don’t pat yourself on the back so soon. The game is young.” He walked out to hit. All the Elks were inclined to be sarcastic and mocking, but they were beginning to realize that it would be no easy thing to run up a safe score early in the game. The Merries were out to win if such a thing could be done. Frank knew Tinker was inclined to bat the ball into the air, and he pitched with the idea of compelling the fellow to do this. In the end he succeeded, for the batter put up a slow and easy one to Badger, who smothered it. The second inning was over, and neither side had made a run. “He won’t last,” declared Wolfers. “He’ll take a balloon trip, same as the other chap did.” “They never can score off you, Bob,” declared Sprowl. “Not in a thousand years,” grinned the Elkton pitcher. “It would be a disgrace.” Then he went into the box and handed Browning one on which Bruce made a clean single. “Stay there, you big duffer!” muttered Wolfers. “You’ll never reach second.” He was mistaken, for, although he kept the ball high, Rattleton managed to bunt, making a beautiful sacrifice. The wonder from Wisconsin saw that the Merries knew something about scientific stick work. He braced up and did his prettiest with Dunnerwurst. “A hit must get me!” murmured the Dutchman, as he missed the first one struck at. “Der oppordunity vas all mine. Yah!” But Wolfers led him into batting a weak one to Cronin, who snapped it across the diamond. Dunnerwurst was out. Cross returned the ball to Cronin, for Browning had dashed toward third. Browning got a handsome start and he ran like a deer. He slid for the bag.