Part 37 (1/2)

Then the ”rooters” seeing their game took up cries of derision against the pitcher, in an endeavor to ”get his goat.”

Langridge bit his lips and threw in a fierce ball. There were two out, but it looked as if it would go on that way indefinitely. Frank Sullivan, a good batter, hit it fairly, but Joe Jackson, out in left field, made a desperate run for it, and got the ball. It was a sensational catch, and was roundly applauded.

When Randall came to the bat for the last time the score was 12 to 2 in favor of their opponents.

”We can't win,” said Kindlings hopelessly.

”No, but for the love of Mike, don't let them roll up any bigger score against us, or they'll put us out of the league,” begged Bricktop Molloy. ”Speak to Langridge, and tell him to hold hard.”

”What's the use speaking to him?” asked Kerr gloomily. ”He'll go off his handle if I do. He told me never to speak to him again, just because I called him down a bit. Land knows he needed it!”

”We've got to make a change,” decided the coach. ”I'll not let Langridge pitch next inning. If he does I'll resign, and I'll tell him so.”

He walked over to the pitcher, and soon the two were in earnest conversation.

Randall could not make another run, for Sellig was doing his best and they did not get a hit off him.

”Our only chance is to strike them out,” murmured Kerr as he arose from the bench to take his place. ”Who's going to pitch, Mr. Lighton?”

”Tom Parsons.”

”Tom Parsons? What's the matter with our regular subst.i.tute, Evert?”

”His arm is no good and he's out of practice. I'm going to put Tom in.”

And much to his astonishment Tom was summoned from the grandstand, where he was talking to Miss Tyler about the slump.

”Me pitch? Are you sure Mr. Lighton sent you for me?” he asked Jerry Jackson, who had brought the message.

”Sure. Come on and get into part of a uniform.”

”Yes, do go,” urged Miss Tyler. ”I--I hope you beat them.”

”It's too late for that now,” replied Tom sadly as he walked down from the stand.

A little later he was in the box, facing Roger Barns, one of the best hitters on the Fairview team. Tom was nervous, there is no denying that, but he held himself well in control. It was the goal of his ambition--to pitch on the 'varsity, and he was now realizing it. True, it was almost an empty honor, but he resolved to do his best, and this thought steeled his nerves, even though the crowd hooted at him.

And he struck out the first three men up, at which his college chums went wild, for it was all they had to rejoice over in the game.

CHAPTER XXVI

THE FRESHMAN DINNER

They wanted Tom to ride back to the college with the team and the subst.i.tutes, but he would not leave Miss Tyler, and, though he was torn between two desires, he went back to the girl.

Moreover, he had an idea that it would not be altogether pleasant riding in the same stage with Langridge, who, he had heard whispered, made strenuous objection when Coach Lighton ordered him to give place to Tom.

”He'll be down on me more than ever,” thought Tom as he made his way back to the grandstand, which was rapidly emptying. ”Well, I can't help it.”