“Good work, old man,” said Ned to Dan as the Tait School players started for their positions at the beginning of the fourth inning. “Keep it up and we’ll shut out these fellows. We’ve a good lead.” Dan smiled, for the words of praise were vastly encouraging. He was confident that he had recovered from the nervousness he felt at the beginning of the game and, furthermore, he was now aware that the batters, as they faced him, betrayed in their manner the respect they had for his prowess. It was true that two runs did not permit any carelessness――the margin was too narrow. But he had found in preceding games that his power of endurance could be relied upon and that his work in the closing innings was never weaker than at the beginning. “There comes Walter,” he said to Ned as he stopped and saw his roommate approaching. “I wonder if he is in shape to play? He has his uniform on, anyway.” “I’ll see next inning,” said Captain Ned brusquely. “We seem to be getting on fairly well without him.” “Give him a chance, Ned,” pleaded Dan. “I know how he feels.” “I know how he ought to feel,” growled Ned. “I’ll see about him when we come in to bat again.” Dan said no more and walked slowly toward the pitcher’s box. Already the infield players had taken their places and the ball was being passed swiftly from one to another. The noisy demonstrations of the spectators now had given place to a deeper, though more quiet, feeling of excitement. Every play was watched anxiously and in spite of the prevailing quiet Dan knew as well as the other players that the shouts and cheers would break forth again at the first opportunity a hit or play might provide. Dan was standing with his face toward third base watching the work of Hodge, who at that moment was throwing across the diamond to Gus, the latter quickly and swiftly returning the ball. Suddenly Gus threw swiftly to Dan, who was unaware of the change. “Look out! Look out, Dan!” shouted Hodge warningly. But the word was not heard in time by the young pitcher. The ball which Gus had thrown with unusual swiftness struck Dan squarely on his right arm between the elbow and shoulder. With a cry of pain Dan clasped the spot with his left hand and bending low almost fell to the ground. CHAPTER XXVIII THE END OF THE GAME In a brief time the confusion spread over the entire assembly. Ned ran to his friend and the players of both teams swarmed upon the field. Even the spectators shared in the prevailing excitement and were standing looking interestedly at the group which by this time had surrounded Dan. Among the first to reach his side was Gus Kiggins. “Honestly, Dan, I didn’t mean to do it,” he said excitedly. “I thought you saw me! I’m sorry! I’m――――”