To the horror of the Columbia adherents it landed full in the eager hands of the second baseman, who held it fiercely for just a second, when he sent it with all his might to Bardwell on third, but not before touching his own base. Was it a triple? There was a wild upheaval on the part of the entire mass of spectators. Paul had thrown himself headlong for the bag, but that swiftly-sent sphere was there just before him! The umpire made a sweeping motion of his hand. Paul was out, and consequently Bellport had won the game by making a wonderfully clever triple in the last inning! Bedlam broke loose right then and there, and the crowd surged over the field, whooping and howling their various class yells. Herman led in a volcanic cheer for the clever players who had managed that remarkable play; and followed this with shouts for both teams. Then songs were sung, and the boys fraternized. It had been a splendid exhibition of work on both sides. No one need be ashamed of having lost such a game as that, as Frank hastened to assure Ralph, who was naturally feeling a little sore over such a sudden downfall to his high hopes. “The fortune of the game, old chap! Got to get used to it. Why, just before Ben knocked into that triple it looked as if we had ’em dead easy. Oh! why couldn’t he have pulled off one of his favorite little flies just over second! But what’s the use crying over spilt milk? You did great work in the box! Every one is saying we picked up a prize when we came across you, Ralph.” By this time Ralph could himself smile a little. “After all, I came out twice as well as I expected. If you don’t think my work was the cause of the defeat I ought to be satisfied. I thought that bull coming on the field broke me up a little. But, then, they didn’t make another run,” he said. Frank threw an arm around his friend and walked away with him. He wanted to get out of the crowd so that they could talk. He had heard what Ralph told Captain Seymour, and was naturally curious to learn about the little adventure that had delayed the arrival of the new pitcher. Besides, there had been those thrilling words spoken by Ralph in connection with something that bore upon his own tangled fortunes. What could have happened? “Now, you know I’m just burning up with curiosity to hear what’s been going on, Ralph. What about this little child you carried home after she hurt her hand; and how does that happen to have any connection with your own matters?” he remarked, when they found themselves removed to some degree from the crowd that was swarming along the road back to Columbia, some to take the trolley for Bellport, others river conveyances for Clifford and beyond. Ralph turned a glowing face upon his friend.