d to get the "rabbit" away from the umpire, but he was too
wise.

Merritt received the innocent-looking ball with a look of mingled
disgust and fear, and he summarily ordered us to our positions.

Not far had we gone, however, when we were electrified by the umpire's
sharp words:

"Naw! Naw, you don't. I saw you change the ball I gave you fer one in
your pocket! Naw! You don't come enny of your American dodges on us!
Gimmee thet ball, an' you use the other, or I'll stop the game."

Wherewith the shrewd umpire took the ball from Merritt's hand and
fished the "rabbit" from his pocket. Our thwarted manager stuttered
his wrath. "Y-you be-be-wh-whiskered y-yap! I'll g-g-give----"

What dire threat he had in mind never materialized, for he became
speechless. He glowered upon the cool little umpire, and then turned
grandly toward the plate.

It may have been imagination, yet I made sure Merritt seemed to shrink
and grow smaller before he pitched a ball. For one thing the plate was
uphill from the pitcher's box, and then the fellow standing there
loomed up like a hill and swung a bat that would have served as a wagon
tongue. No wonder Merritt evinced nervousness. Presently he whirled
and delivered the ball.

Bing!

A dark streak and a white puff of dust over second base showed how safe
that hit was. By dint of manful body work, Hooker contrived to stop
the "rabbit" in mid-center. Another run scored. Human nature was
proof against this temptation, and Merritt's players tendered him
manifold congratulations and dissertations.

"Grand, you old skinflint, grand!"

"There was a two-dollar bill stickin' on thet hit. Why didn't you stop
it?"

"Say, Merritt, what little brains you've got will presently be ridin'
on the 'rabbit.'"

"You will chase up these exhibition games!"

"Take your medicine now. Ha! Ha! Ha!"

After these merciless taunts, and particularly after the next slashing
hit that tied the score, Merritt looked appreciably smaller and humbler.

He threw up another ball, and actually shied as it neared the plate.

The giant who was waiting to slug it evidently thought better of his
eagerness as far as that pitch was concerned, for he let it go by.

Merritt got the next ball higher. With a mighty swing, the batsman hit
a terrific liner right at the pitcher.

Quick as lightning, Merritt wheeled, and the ball struck him with the
sound of two boards brought heavily together with a smack.