It began to look as if they would still be held down, and Coulter was regaining his confidence.
Frank was aware that something sensational must be done to keep Coulter on the string.

He longed for an opportunity to steal third, but knew he would receive a severe call down from Old Put if he failed.

Still he was ready to try if he found the opportunity.
Frank took all the lead he could secure, going up with the shortstop every time the second baseman played off to fill the right field gap.

He was so lively on his feet that he could go back ahead of the baseman every time, and Coulter gave up trying to catch him after two attempts.
Frank took all the ground he could, and seeing the next ball was an outdrop he legged it for third.
"Slide! slide! slide!" howled the astonished Halliday, who was still on the coach line at third.
Frank obeyed, and he went over the ground as if he had been greased for the occasion.

He made the steal with safety, having a second to spare.
Rattleton lost his breath yelling, and the entire Yale crowd howled as one man.