In the first half of the seventh, however, in accordance with instructions from Hal, Bronson eased up, and Landon made a single and a double, getting a man on first and third, while the batter had one strike and three balls and Mitchell was on deck. Realizing that now was the time for their nine to score, if ever, the Landon students howled and tooted their horns madly, striving their utmost to rattle Bronson. "Steady, Clothespin, and show 'em what you can do," encouraged Fred. "Give him three in-shoots. He'll never hit at one with three balls on you." "Guess you're right," replied Bronson. And to the relief of Baxter, the boy struck out the batter. The man on first, however, had gone to second on the first ball pitched, but with the man on third Gregory had not attempted to throw him out. Consequently, Bronson was still in a hole when Mitchell stepped to the plate, a look of confidence on his face. In his endeavor to rattle the battery, the man on second was taking a long lead, hoping to draw a throw from Gregory, thus allowing his mate on third to score. But in this crisis, Fred and Bronson showed the result of their secret practice. As the latter made ready to pitch, Fred coughed. Already Bronson's arm was taking its swing, but instead of sending the ball to the plate, he turned completely around and shot the ball to Fred. CHAPTER XIX A VICTORY Had the boys not rehearsed this play many times, they never could have worked it. Indeed, so swift was the ball that it almost knocked the second baseman over, while sharp pains ran through his arms. But he managed to hold the ball. "Go back! Go back!" shouted the Landon contingent, as one man. "Don't force third." In a desperate dive, the runner strove to reach second base. But Fred tagged him out. [Illustration: FRED TAGGED HIM OUT] During this play, the man on third had started for home. Warned by his team mates, Fred whipped the ball across the diamond in a low, straight throw. "Runner out!" shouted the umpire, and a cheer of relief broke from the Baxter throats. Mitchell proved an easy out, shortstop to first base. Hal's team retired in order in their half. No runs were scored by either side in the eighth inning, and Landon failed to cross the plate in their half of the ninth. "Make it extra innings!" shouted the home enthusiasts. "That pitcher's tiring!" "Here's where we win, boys," exclaimed Hal to his men. "If a man gets on a base, we've got to bring him home." Inspired with determination, Taffy stepped to the plate. The first ball pitched was straight and swift. Reaching for it, the boy caught it square on the bat. With terrific speed, the ball sailed between short and third. Frantically the left fielder raced in, but the ball took a bad bound and Taffy was safe on second before it could be fielded.