slide.

Two men were out, and Frank hoped that Badger would keep the visitors
from scoring. Buck might have done so, but somehow he "crossed signals"
with Jack, the result being a passed ball that let in a score.

"I'm hot stuff," chirped Ready, as he found Frank back at the bench of
the home team. "When I don't fail, I succeed."

"I see you do," answered Frank dryly. "You succeeded in letting in that
run."

"Our wires got crossed. Badge gave me an in when I was looking for an
out. If you'll put in a pitcher who can throw a curve, I'll surprise
you."

"Does Badger rattle you?"

"Refuse me! I think I rattle him."

There was no time for further talk, and the game went on. Buck was
nervous, and Frank pitied him, for he could see that the Westerner might
do well with a good catcher behind the bat. Just then Merry did not know
of a man to put in Ready's place, for he could see that the Westerner's
great speed and queer delivery might be too much for any green catcher
who was not used to him.

"Yes," muttered Frank, "the loss of Hodge is the handicap that will
cause us to lose the game--if we lose it."

The next man got first on balls, and then the following batter lifted a
high foul. Ready got under it, and the Hartfords were retired at last.

"We're done up, Merry," said Rattleton, as the men came in.

"Not yet, old man," declared Frank cheerfully. "I think I'll go behind
the bat myself next inning."

"Don't do it!" exclaimed Harry. "I know you can play any old position,
Merry, but your place is in the box. With you there, every man on the
team will play like a streak. Won't you go in?"

"Badger----"

"Can see that he is bound to lose the game if this keeps on. He's got
sense. He won't want to make such a bad record for himself."

"Ready will not be able to judge the double-shoot. I can't use that."

"You won't have to. You can win this game without it."

"I don't know."

"I do! Try it."

Frank was in doubt, and he permitted Badger to pitch one more inning.
The Westerner worked hard, but it was plain he had lost confidence, and
he was not at his best. Great beads of perspiration stood out on his
face. Two men scored, despite him, and the visitors had the lead again.

"I believe I'll try it in the box," Frank mentally decided. "Perhaps I
may hold Ready steady. It looks like the only show to win out."

When Merriwell finally went into the box, seeing that it must be done,
Badger retired with as goo