He motioned for Ready to come down and advanced to meet him.

A few words passed between them, while the Hartford "fans" guyed them.
This little talk seemed to bear good fruit, for the Westerner fooled the next batter with two drops, getting two strikes called.

Then he tried "coaxers" till three balls were called on him, and again, with every runner taking all the "lead" he dared, the excitement was at a high pitch.
Frank feared for the result.
"Oh, for Hodge!" he thought.

"I see now that our handicap means disaster unless the wind changes." Ready was crouching under the bat, nervous, but determined.

Badger took his time, but put terrible speed into the next ball, which he sent over the inner corner of the plate.