You ended strong by mowing down Butters and Stoker, and I think perhaps
you can go back and finish it out."

"But you sent for Hooker. He's warming up now."

"I sent for Hooker as a last resort when you were performing at your
worst. Just then I'd tried almost anybody in your place, hoping that
the change might put an end to the slaughter; but now, unless you have
lost your nerve----"

Rodney gave Roger a resentful look. "I reckon I've still got my nerve
with me," he said warmly.

"Then I'm going to let you try to hold them. If they get another run
the game will be tied, and two more runs gives them the victory.
You've got to hold them right where they are."

"I certain will do my level best to hold them."

And so it happened that Hooker did not get the chance to pitch in that
game, after all. Eliot explained to him that Grant was willing to try
to pitch it through, but added that he should bench Rod instantly in
case he betrayed any bad symptoms. The Texan, however, was cool as a
cucumber and steady as a mountain, not even seeming to hear the howling
of the crowd, which resumed its uproar in an effort to put him off his
feet again. Captain Merwin was the first victim, retiring by the
strike-out route; and then Ramsdell hit weakly on the ground, being
thrown out long ere he could sprint to first; the game ending 7 to 6 in
Oakdale's favor when Eliot pulled down a high foul from Oakes' bat.

"I'm much obliged to you, Hooker, old chap," said Eliot cordially,
after the cheering was over and the boys had started from the field.
"It was fine and loyal of you to answer my call promptly, as you did;
but as long as Rod still had his nerve I thought it best to let him try
to finish it out. Come along with us. We've got to have two pitchers,
and if Springer has taken a huff you'll likely get chances enough to do
some twirling."

Although disappointed because he had not been permitted to pitch in the
final inning of the present game, the prospect of possible
opportunities in the future cheered Hooker, and he marched from the
field with the other players, feeling almost as if he was one of them.

Roy was standing on the steps of the hotel, waiting for the boys to
dress, when Herbert Rackliff approached at a languid saunter, smoking,
as usual, and looking rather dejected and cast down.

"I say, Hook," said Herbert, "lend me the price of a ticket back to
Oakdale, will you. I've gone clean broke over here, thanks t