The batter struck at it, but failed to hit it, although the failure apparently was due to his own weakness. A straight swift ball produced a second strike, and then in accordance with the signals and plan of action to which Ned and Dan had agreed before they assumed their positions in the field, the pitcher sent in his “pet,” a form of delivery to which Moulton had devoted much time and pains. The ball sped swiftly as it left Dan’s hands and though it came fairly over the plate the batter stepped back as if in fear of being hit. “Here, you timid creature, why don’t you strike at a good ball when you get it?” demanded Ned sharply of the batter. “It didn’t come within a mile of the plate,” retorted the batter. “Come here, Chesty!” called Ned, turning to the spectators. “Come on and umpire this game. This fellow can’t tell whether the ball is going to hit him or whether it started in the other direction.” “Yea, I’ll do that,” responded “Lord Chesterfield” as he arose, carefully brushed his clothes with his hands, and took the position to which he had been called. “Two strikes on this fellow,” said Ned as he replaced his mask and gave his chest-protector a pull. “Now go ahead. Call it two balls. I don’t know just how many he deserves.” Signaling to Dan to repeat his last effort Ned stretched forth his hands for his pitcher to begin again. Once more Dan sent in a swift inshoot, that as it came to the plate suddenly appeared to turn and vindictively try to hit the player at the bat. “Three balls,” called Chesty glibly. Ned glared at him as in duty bound, but did not speak as he returned the ball to Dan. “Four balls! Take your base!” shouted Chesty once more, after Dan had pitched another ball. Ned started to protest, but a low laugh from Dan caused him to check the word he was about to speak and he returned the ball. The second boy to bat obtained the same result as his predecessor, and two were on bases. “Careful, Dan,” called Walter in a low voice from his position as short-stop. “Take it easy. Don’t try too hard.” Dan did not reply, but swinging about he threw the ball swiftly to second base and the runner was caught at least two feet away. “That’s the way to do it!” called Ned. “Now look sharp and we’ll have this fellow on strikes,” he added as the third boy advanced to the plate. Dan responded with a ball so swift and unexpected that Ned dropped it. “Ball!” shouted Chesty. And as Dan sent in three more that came with equal speed, he declared that each was a ball and allowed the batter to take his base. “What’s the trouble, Dan?” called Walter. “Nothing,” responded Dan. “Get them over the plate.” “They are,” said Dan quietly. “Your umpire can’t see straight.” However, Dan apparently did not try to pitch his best. He retired the side after one run had been made and twice the ball had been hit into the infield.