“It’s all in the game!” retorted Walter lightly. “And now let’s see what we can do at the bat. I’m the second man up and you follow me, Dan.” “Yes.” “Better get your bat.” “I’ll have it when my turn comes.” Tom Richards came first to bat and after hitting two fouls he sent a slow ball toward third base, which the fielder threw somewhat wildly and Tom was safe at first, to the delight of Silas, who noisily expressed his pleasure. “I’m going to bunt, Dan,” said Walter in a low voice. “I’ll sacrifice Tom to second or third if he can steal second.” “Give him a chance and he’ll steal it all right.” “Then I’ll make a sacrifice hit.” “Better line it out, Walter,” suggested Dan as his friend advanced to the plate. Walter smiled, but did not respond as he confidently faced the pitcher of the opposing nine. He permitted the first ball to pass and a strike was promptly called by Moulton. Pretending to hit at the second ball his action slightly confused the catcher who dropped the ball as Tom sped safely to second. The next ball Walter tapped lightly, and as it rolled slowly toward the third-baseman the latter seized it and threw swiftly to first, Tom meanwhile gaining third base safely on the play. “Is that th’ best ye can do?” demanded the harness-maker as Walter turned away from first base. “A baby could hit as far’s you did.” “That was a bunt,” said Walter flushing slightly as some of the spectators near Silas laughed. “Yes, I see ’twas――a baby-bunter.” “I made a sacrifice hit to put Tom on third.” “Oh, ye did, did ye? Well, I guess if Tom couldn’t run like a white-head all yer buntin’ wouldn’t ’a’ helped him. Hi! That’s th’ way t’ do things!” Silas shouted as Dan hit a ball that passed far over the head of the left-fielder. “That’s th’ way t’ play ball! No city fellow could do that, Dannie, my boy! Go it! Go on! Run, ye little terror!” he added in his excitement as Dan turned second and sped on toward the third base, Tom meanwhile having leisurely crossed the home plate.