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.