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It was mainly Sparkfair's wonderful pitching that kept Frank and his friends from circling the bases. Dale had splendid speed, dazzling shoots, and masterly control. In the fifth the Merries tried the bunting game and filled the bases, with only one out. Badger then came up and smashed out a fine two-bagger, driving in three runs. Sparkfair then struck out Carson and Dunnerwurst.
Bart walked up to the angry boy, placed a hand on his shoulder, and looked straight into his eyes. "I'm afraid you're just what Sparkfair has called you, my son a quitter," said Hodge, in a low tone. "The rest of the boys are going to play. You and your friend had better run over to the Hall. Trot along, now." Muttering and growling, Featherstone turned away.
Bubbs followed with the third bunt, while Crowfoot and Barking moved up. Nevertheless, Scrogg managed to secure the ball and throw Towser out. Netterby attempted to bunt, but popped up a little fly to Hodge and followed Bubbs to the bench. "I rather guess it's all over," said Higgins. "The bunting game didn't work." Bemis looked doubtful, but Sparkfair still held to his instructions.
Although the head of Frank's batting order came up in the sixth and Hodge reached third, no scores were secured. In the seventh Gallup crossed the pan with a run. Neither side could secure a tally in the eighth, and the ninth inning opened with Merriwell's team three runs behind the youngsters. "Oh, we've got you!" laughed Sparkfair.
"You struck me out before." With the sacks cleared, Hodge seemed invincible, for he quickly settled Lander's hash. The game was not over, for the second team had another chance. Nevertheless, Sparkfair was at his best, and the three batters who faced him went down, one after another. Hodge was the first to congratulate Spark. "You're a good man in an emergency, and such men win games," he said.
Slick drove a sharp grounder at Netterby, who booted it into the diamond, and a run came in before the ball could be recovered. Oliver was safe on first, and the sacks were still full. The score was tied once more. Carson walked out and laced out a handsome single, which brought in two runs. "How Featherstone would rejoice had he lingered!" muttered Sparkfair. "They're getting away with this game.
Perhaps it will be better off without you. Take the matter into consideration." On the temporary bleachers a crowd of Farnham Hall lads, led by Dale Sparkfair, gave a cheer for Merry. As this cheer died away Uncle Eb Small rose in the stand, waved his crooked cane, and shrilly cried: "That's right, Frank that's jest right! We're here to see a game of baseball and not a fight!
For instance, when the boys started a rebellion against manual labor Sparkfair refused to join them, and it was his scheme that put a prompt and ludicrous end to the rebellion." "I think he's a splendid boy," said Inza. "I took a liking to him the first time I saw him." "He's done a great deal in the way of helping young Joe Crowfoot along," said Frank. "There's another marvel!" exclaimed Bart.
If there's a practical joke perpetrated, I generally look for Sparkfair at the bottom of it. About nine times out of ten I find him there. Still, he's not malicious, and in a case of emergency I believe I can depend upon him to be on the right side.
"Don't pick 'em right off the bat, Joseph," remonstrated Bart. "If you get so close, you'll catch the ball before I have time to hit it." The Indian boy smiled grimly. "Mebbe that keep you from tying score," he said. Sparkfair worked cautiously with Hodge, and, as a result, two balls were called after this first strike. "Walking is easier than running, Spark," reminded Bart.
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