"A three-bagger, sure," groaned Phelps. But, as the shouting crowd calmed down, they saw that Dave Brandon's rapid recovery and accurate throw had held the runner at second. "Well, that's going some, anyway!" cried Nat, hilariously. "Bet if I was at bat now I could bring him in," said Hackett. "If you don't do some good stick work, Sam Manning, there'll be trouble." Manning, vigorously chewing gum, had a determined glint in his eye. "Frost is melting; Frost is melting; the pace is too warm for Frost!" shouted Kirk Talbot. "He's getting weak; his nerve is gone! Hi, hi, hi!" "One ball!" "I told you so!" snickered Kirk. "One strike!" "Take it easy, Sam. That was only an accident," advised John Hackett. "Two strikes!" "Lam it, you pirate; lam it!" howled Nat. Manning smiled curiously. Then, as the ball again shot toward him, he bunted just inside the third base line. Baseman and pitcher dashed simultaneously toward it. Benson, however, stopped the ball, which he tossed to "Jack Frost" with the laconic remark: "Too late." Fuller and Manning played off the bases as far as they dared, worrying the pitcher to the best of their ability. "Two men on the circuit and none down!" yelled John Hackett. "Don't be afraid to take a chance, fellows. Go it, Fuller; get right off to third!" The number of gloomy faces among the high school contingent increased. "I've a dreadful fear that the Ramblers are going to pieces," muttered Benny, disconsolately. "Dave Brandon will never, never print the article I'm going to write. Hello--I reckon this settles it!" George Marlow, left fielder of the Stars, had connected with the ball so successfully that next instant all three bases were occupied. The Stars found their voices once more. A vociferous din, in which megaphones and tin horns added to the volume, came from all parts of the field. "Ah, here's where I do it!" cried John Hackett. "Watch me, Nat. If I don't everlastingly smack the pill I'll work an hour overtime at the store." "I can stand Hackett's blow because it only makes you grin," mumbled "Crackers." "He knows enough not to mean what he says." "Say, John looks as dangerous as a regular league player, doesn't he?" The Stars' coacher near first was bawling out his orders with monotonous regularity. It was an anxious moment for the High. With none out, the situation looked mighty serious, especially as one of Nat's strongest batters stood at the plate. Two balls and a strike were called before John Hackett got into action. The tall player then swung with all his force. A terrific bounder shot off in the direction of first base.