“Don’t dispute the other nine. If there is any disputing to be done, let them do it all.” “But they were――――” “Yes, I know,” broke in Dan. “But it doesn’t pay. Besides, it’s part of the game to learn to control one’s self.” “Dan, you’re a wonder!” exclaimed Walter good-naturedly. “If you’ll strike out the men in one-two-three order the next inning, I’ll promise not to say another word before the ninth inning.” “I’ll do my best. You’re the first to bat.” “Am I? I’d forgotten that in the excitement.” Seizing his bat Walter advanced to the plate, and in his eagerness to redeem himself he struck at the first ball and sent a slowly rolling grounder toward second. The Benson second-baseman juggled the ball and Walter’s speed increased as he dashed toward first. He was aware of the shrill exhortations of Silas to “hump himself,” whatever that might mean, and just as he gained the base the ball was caught by the baseman, who stood directly in front of the base. The first-baseman was the one who had made the trouble in the preceding inning, and a grin appeared on his face as he looked at Walter. For an instant Walter was intensely angry and was about to voice his protest. The sight of Dan, who had advanced to coach the runner, however, instantly sobered him and he merely said, “A raw deal, Dan,” as he passed his friend. Dan scowled as he replied, “I know it, Walter, but let it go.” As he rejoined his companions Walter did not refer to his recent experience and seated himself to watch the progress of the game. A base on balls and two hits netted two more runs and the stentorian plaudits of the harness-maker were heard over all the field. The Benson supporters were strangely silent as their nine came in once more to bat. There was little shouting until the first player to face Dan received his base on balls. Then the hopes of Benson revived and a wild yell followed the player as he went to first base. CHAPTER VIII A RECORD Silence speedily swept over the assembly as the next two batters both struck out. The third batter managed to send a slow roller toward first base, which speedily was taken by the baseman, who did not return to his base, but stood waiting on the line to touch the runner. The Benson player attempted to run into the waiting player, but the Rodman baseman stepped nimbly to one side, avoiding the onslaught, although he succeeded in touching the fleet-footed runner. When Walter joined Dan, as the Rodman nine came in from the field, his enthusiasm became still more marked. “Dan,” he said, “can’t these fellows bat any? Is that the reason for the exhibition they’re making of themselves or is it because you are pitching such a game?”