The latter appeared to be at his best, starting out on the second round with confidence and determination. He sent the ball over the plate with a speed and accuracy which bewildered the batsmen. In succession he struck out two; the third was thrown out at first. "They are all right on the defensive," said Mr. Barry. "Yes; the boys do seem to have improved." For five innings neither side scored. At the beginning of the sixth the friends of the visitors were given a chance to yell and shout in the most uproarious fashion. Bill Allen, according to Benny Wilkins, "started the ball rolling." And it rolled so far that by the time the stout editor of the "Reflector" succeeded in laying his hands upon its stained and battered surface Allen was on his way to third. "Bad, bad business," grumbled Mr. Barry. "By George, they are going to score this time." "Looks like it," mumbled "Uncle" Steve. "Take him out of the box!" howled Benny Wilkins. "Hooray for 'Jack Frost'!" Nothing ruffled Singleton, however. He was there to do his best, and he was doing it. He surveyed the big, husky form of Joe Wiles, third baseman, without trepidation. "Give me the best in the shop," called Joe, shaking his bat suggestively. Brentall signaled for a high inshoot. The pitcher snapped the ball toward him, putting forth all his efforts to fool the batsman. Next moment, however, a prolonged groan announced that his attempt was wasted. The shrieking, gleeful Rockvillers, waving every available pennant, saw the ball shooting between first and second with terrific speed. Bob Somers made a wild attempt to stop it, but the sphere bounded high over his head. Meanwhile Bill Allen was trotting leisurely for home. "Sic a Goose Hill gander on Singleton!" shouted Benny. "He's only good at pitching quoits. Get him a doughnut--quick." "No--he takes the biscuit!" yelled Aleck Parks. "One run, and nobody down." "I remember when I should have called that an exhibition well worth missing," observed Mr. Barry, with a sort of half chuckle. He smiled grimly, as a Rockville supporter was heard exclaiming: "Did you ever see anything prettier in your life!" Jeffords, the next batter, hit safely, advancing Wiles to second. Singleton, catching a nod from Coach Steele, with a sigh walked toward the players' bench, while "Jack Frost," glad to get into the fray, dashed to the mound. "Too bad my wing went back on me," exclaimed Singleton, as the two passed each other. "Good luck, old boy." "Jack" signalized his advent in the box by promptly striking out the next batter. When John Appleby walked briskly to the plate a storm of approval from the visiting contingent clearly demonstrated to the pitcher that he was considered one of the "star" hitters of the aggregation. "Now is the time for some of your good stickwork, old boy!" yelled one. "Two men on bases and only one down. Start 'em around the circuit!"