At first glance it did not appear as if the Cuban club could play. They seemed to toss the ball about in reckless fashion and strike out wildly when at the bat, yet at the end of the fourth innings the score was a tie, 3 to 3. “This game is all right,” was Frank’s comment. “I’ve seen many a worse one right on the Polo grounds in New York.” “Oh, the New Yorks can’t play ball anyway,” growled Hockley. In the next innings both clubs scored two runs, bringing the score up to another tie. There was a beautiful running catch made by one of the Cuban fielders and this was roundly applauded by the American as well as the Cuban spectators. “Give these Cubans a few more years and they’ll be as crazy for baseball as we are,” said Darry. In the first half of the sixth innings the Cubans scored another run. A “pop” fly had been knocked across the diamond but the second baseman failed to hold it. As it was a clear muff some in the crowd groaned, at which the baseman looked more disconcerted than ever. “Don’t groan or hiss,” said Professor Strong. “Every player is bound to miss it sometime. That baseman did very well before. And he acts to me as if he was sick. I’ve seen him holding his stomach several times.” The Roosevelts now came to the bat with a score of 6 to 5 against them. The first player up was put out on strikes and the second on a foul tip. The third batsman had a ball and a strike called and then sent a long, high fly to center field. “Hurrah!” yelled the crowd of Americans. “That’s a daisy! Run! Run!” “It’s a home run. Go it, longlegs, go it!” “Don’t let them stop you at third! You’ve got lots of time!” The yelling continued. In the meantime the center fielder was racing after the ball like mad. He caught it up just as the runner was leaving third for the home plate and threw it to the catcher with all his strength. But it fell short of its mark and was captured by the pitcher, who whirled around and delivered it home just as the runner slid in amid a cloud of dust and a yelling which could be heard for half a mile. Then those close by saw the catcher leap for the ball, capture it in one hand and fall in a heap on top of the man who had slid in to victory. “He’s safe!” was the cry, as the crowd saw the umpire keep his hand down. “Oh, wasn’t that a dandy run!” “And wasn’t that a dandy hit!” It was several seconds before the dust cleared away and then it was seen that something was wrong. The runner had been kicked in the arm by the catcher and the latter had tumbled and bruised his knee. Both had to be helped from the field and time was called while the hurts were attended to by a doctor who happened to be present. “They say that runner is out of the game,” was the report which went the round a little later. “And that second baseman has retired too. He’s suffering from cramps. The catcher is all right.” “If the Roosevelts lose two men they will be one man short,” said Sam. “They had only one substitute at the bench.”