ONE TO NOTHING.
It was the beginning of the ninth inning, and neither side had scored.
Never before had there been such an exciting game in the city of
Denver. The crowd was throbbing, and Merriwell’s team had won a host of
friends by its clever work. Since the second inning, however, Frank had
given his men no chance to show what they could do, for he had struck
out man after man, just as fast as they came up. Never in all his life
had he been in better form, and his work was something to amaze his
most intimate friends.
Bart Hodge, with his arm paining him from the tip of his fingers to the
shoulder, looked very well satisfied.
Dick Merriwell was wild with delight and admiration. He heard the crowd
wondering at the work of Frank and cheering at it, and it warmed his
heart toward the brother he had once thought he hated.
“Oh, Joe!” he panted, “did you ever see anything like it?”
“Ugh! No see before,” answered Crowfoot, still smoking.
“Isn’t it fine?”
“Heap big noise. Ev’rybody yell lot; nobody get killed yet.”
Three times had Merriwell’s men reached third, but, by sharp work,
the home team had kept them from scoring. Now, however, Morley was
desperate, and he went among the men, urging them to win the game.
“You must win it!” he said. “Elrich loses five thousand and five
hundred dollars if you don’t. He won’t back the team another day. We’ll
have to disband.”
“We’d win if we could hit that devil in the box,” said Mahoney
bitterly. “He’s the worst man we ever went up against, and we all know
it now. You’ll never hear me tell anybody after this that there is
no such thing as a double-shoot. Why, that fellow can throw regular
corkscrew curves!”
Morley swore.
“You’re quitting!” he growled.
“Did you ever know me to quit?” asked Mahoney angrily.
“No, but----”
“Then don’t talk! They have not scored, and we may be able to make this
a draw game, if we can’t get in a run.”
Black Elrich was worried, although his face looked perfectly calm, with
the strained expression of the gambler who is unchangeable before
victory or defeat. At his side, Dan Mahoney was seething.
“Hang it!” he grated. “If it had only been that catcher’s right hand!
The woman made a terrible blunder!”
“No one would have thought him able to catch, anyhow,” said Elrich.
“The big mitt protects his hand.”
“Still, it must hurt him every time the ball strikes, for Merriwell has
been using all kinds of speed.”
Morley came up to the place where he knew Elrich was sitting.
“What do you think?” he asked, in a low tone. “The boys can’t hit
Merriwell, and it’s too late to try to buy Harris, the umpire, now.
Can’t you start a riot and break up the game?”
“If you start it, it is worth a hundred dollars to you,” said Elrich,
“even though that will throw all bets off, and I’ll make nothing. What
say?”
“I can’t!” muttered Morley. “If I did so, Harris would give the game to
the other side, and you’d lose just the same. If the spectators start
it, it will be all right.”
“The spectators won’t,” said the gambler. “More than three-fourths of
them are Merriwell men now.”
“Then,” said Morley, “I am afraid for the result.”
Well might he be afraid. In the last inning Frank was just as effective
as ever, and the batters fell before him in a way that was perfectly
heart-breaking to the admirers of the home team. Denver was unable to
score in the ninth.
“We must shut them out again, boys,” said Mahoney, as his men took the
field.
But Merriwell’s team went after that game in their half of the ninth.
Carker was the first man up. He had not been hitting, and Park
considered him easy. That was when Park made a mistake, for Greg set
his teeth and laced out the first ball in a most terrific manner.
It was a clean two-bagger. But Carker tried to make it three,
encouraged by Ready on the coaching-line. Ready believed in taking
desperate chances to score, and he waved for Greg to come on.
The crowd was standing again, shouting wildly as Carker tore across
second and started on a mad sprint to third.
The center-fielder got the ball and threw it to Mahoney at second.
Mahoney whirled and shot it to third.
“Slide!” shrieked Ready.
Greg heard the command and obeyed, but Croaker took the ball and
touched him easily.
“Runner out!” decided the umpire clearly.
Then there was another roar from the bleachers.
Jack Ready fiercely doubled his fist and thumped himself behind the ear.
“All my fault!” he moaned. “I did it!”
Carker looked sorrowful.
“My last game of baseball,” he said sadly. “I do not care to play the
game any more. It is a deception and a humiliation. No more! No more!”
Merriwell was the next batter. Park knew Merry was a good hitter, and
he was cautious. Frank did his best to work the pitcher for a base on
balls, but, with two strikes called on him, he was finally forced to
hit.
He did so sharply, sending the ball shooting along the ground between
third and short.
Frank crossed first and turned to the left, knowing it was best to have
all the start he could if there was any show of making second.
“Go on!” roared Browning, who had reached the coaching-line at first,
Ready, having come in from near third.
Then Frank ran at his best speed. He knew it would be close, and he
flung himself forward for a slide at second, which enabled him to reach
the base safely a moment ahead of the ball. By fast running, he had
made a two-bagger out of an ordinary single.
Everybody knew now that Merriwell’s team was out for the game in that
inning if there was any possible way to capture it. Such work turned
the fans into howling maniacs.
For once in his life, Jack Ready looked grave when he took his place to
strike. He realized the responsibility on him, and it had driven the
smile from his ruddy face.
Park was pitching at his best, and he did not let up a bit. Ready made
two fouls, after which he put up a high infield fly, which dropped and
remained in the hands of Croaker. Two men were out, and the admirers of
the home team began to breathe easier.
Merriwell was taking all the start he could get from second when Carson
got ready to hit.
Park seemed to feel absolutely sure of retiring the side without
further trouble, and he did get two strikes on Berlin. Then something
happened, for the cattleman’s son did a thing to delight the heart of
his father. He made a beautiful safe hit to right field and won the
game.
Merriwell was running when the ball and bat met. He knew it was not a
high fly, and instinct told him the fielder could not catch it. As he
came toward third, Hodge was on the coaching-line, madly motioning for
him to go in.
Frank obeyed. The fielder threw from right to cut him off at the
plate, but, by another splendid slide, he scored.
The game was over.
* * * * *
In the newspaper accounts of the game the following day Merriwell’s
team was highly praised, and the reporters took pains to mention that
it was the hit of Berlin Carson, a Colorado lad, that brought in the
winning run.
THE END.
“_BEST OF ALL BOYS’ BOOKS_”
THE FAMOUS
Frank Merriwell Stories
By BURT L. STANDISH
No modern series of tales for boys and youths has met with anything
like the cordial reception and popularity accorded to the Frank
Merriwell Stories.
There must be a reason for this and there is. Frank Merriwell, as
portrayed by the author, is a jolly, whole-souled, honest, courageous
American lad, who appeals to the hearts of the boys. He has no bad
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for a boy to indulge in petty vices to be a hero. Frank Merriwell’s
example is a shining light for every ambitious lad to follow.
_Twenty-four volumes ready_
Frank Merriwell’s School Days
Frank Merriwell’s Chums
Frank Merriwell’s Foes
Frank Merriwell’s Trip West
Frank Merriwell Down South
Frank Merriwell’s Bravery
Frank Merriwell’s Races
Frank Merriwell’s Hunting Tour
Frank Merriwell’s Sports Afield
Frank Merriwell at Yale
Frank Merriwell’s Courage
Frank Merriwell’s Daring
Frank Merriwell’s Skill
Frank Merriwell’s Champions
Frank Merriwell’s Return to Yale
Frank Merriwell’s Secret
Frank Merriwell’s Loyalty
Frank Merriwell’s Reward
Frank Merriwell’s Faith
Frank Merriwell’s Victories
Frank Merriwell’s Power
Frank Merriwell’s Set-Back
Frank Merriwell’s False Friend
Frank Merriwell’s Brother
Illustrated, cloth binding, 50 cents per volume
For sale by all booksellers, or sent, postpaid, on receipt of price by
the publisher
DAVID McKAY, Philadelphia
_THE MOTOR POWER SERIES_
Donald Grayson’s Famous Motor Stories for Boys
Mr. Grayson is an accomplished writer of up-to-the-minute juvenile
stones which are eagerly read by modern American lads.
In his new series, his characters have exciting adventures with every
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You may readily see what a vast field for adventures Mr. Grayson has
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_Now Ready_
BOB STEELE’S MOTOR CYCLE
BOB STEELE ON HIGH GEAR
BOB STEELE FROM AUTO TO AIRSHIP
BOB STEELE AFLOAT IN THE CLOUDS
BOB STEELE’S SUBMARINE CRUISE
BOB STEELE IN STRANGE WATERS
BOB STEELE’S MOTOR BOAT
BOB STEELE’S WINNING RACE
BOB STEELE’S NEW AËROPLANE
BOB STEELE’S LAST FLIGHT
Illustrated, cloth binding, 50 cents per volume
For sale by all booksellers, or sent, postpaid, on receipt of price by
the publisher
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_BOYS OF LIBERTY LIBRARY_
A NEW SERIES of splendid tales of the wonderful and stirring adventures
of boys who fought in The Revolutionary War, The French and Indian
Wars, and Naval Battles of 1812.
The stories are written in an intensely interesting style, and no boy
can read them without being aroused to the highest pitch of patriotic
enthusiasm.
We give herewith a list of titles now ready. Read the first and you
will want to read all the others. 12mo. Cloth, handsomely bound.
PAUL REVERE. By John De Morgan.
THE FIRST SHOT FOR LIBERTY. By John De Morgan.
FOOLING THE ENEMY. By John De Morgan.
INTO THE JAWS OF DEATH. By John De Morgan.
THE HERO OF TICONDEROGA. By John De Morgan.
ON TO QUEBEC. By John De Morgan.
FIGHTING HAL. By John De Morgan.
MARION AND HIS MEN. By John De Morgan.
THE YOUNG AMBASSADOR. By John De Morgan.
THE YOUNG GUARDSMAN. By John De Morgan.
THE CRUISE OF THE LIVELY BEE. By John De Morgan.
THE TORY PLOT. By T. C. Harbaugh.
IN BUFF AND BLUE. By T. C. Harbaugh.
WASHINGTON’S YOUNG SPY. By T. C. Harbaugh.
UNDER GREENE’S BANNER. By T. C. Harbaugh.
FOR FREEDOM’S CAUSE. By T. C. Harbaugh.
CAPTAIN OF THE MINUTE MEN. By Harrie Irving Hancock.
THE QUAKER SPY. By Lieut. Lounsberry.
FIGHTING FOR FREEDOM. By Lieut. Lounsberry.
BY ORDER OF THE COLONEL. By Lieut. Lounsberry.
A CALL TO DUTY. By Lieut. Lounsberry.
IN GLORY’S VAN. By Lieut. Lounsberry.
THE TRADER’S CAPTIVE. By Lieut. Lounsberry.
THE YOUNG PATRIOT. By Lieut. Lounsberry.
“OLD PUT” THE PATRIOT. By Frederick A. Ober.
THE LEAGUE OF FIVE. By Commander Post.
THE KING’S MESSENGER. By Capt. Frank Ralph.
DASHING PAUL JONES. By Frank Sheridan.
FROM MIDSHIPMAN TO COMMODORE. By Frank Sheridan.
THE CRUISE OF THE ESSEX. By Frank Sheridan.
LAND HERO OF 1812. By C. C. Hotchkiss.
FOLLOWING MAD ANTHONY. By T. C. Harbaugh.
THE YOUNG CAPTAINS. By T. C. Harbaugh.
CAMPAIGNING WITH BRADDOCK. By William Murray Graydon.
Price, 50 cents per volume
For sale by all booksellers, or sent, postpaid, on receipt of price by
the publisher
DAVID McKAY, Philadelphia
THE ROB RANGER SERIES
By LIEUT. LIONEL LOUNSBERRY
A capital series showing what can be accomplished by a boy of ability
and courage. Rob is a hero whose example of courage, honesty and
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could well be imagined.
ROB RANGER’S MINE, or THE BOY WHO GOT THERE. By Lieut. Lionel
Lounsberry.
ROB RANGER THE YOUNG RANCHMAN, or GOING IT ALONE AT LOST RIVER. By
Lieut. Lionel Lounsberry.
ROB RANGER’S COWBOY DAYS, or THE YOUNG HUNTER OF THE BIG HORN. By
Lieut. Lionel Lounsberry.
Price, 50 cents per volume
THE CIRCUS SERIES
BY
STANLEY NORRIS VICTOR ST. CLAIR
Where is there a boy who does not love a circus and who does not also
love to take a peep “behind the scenes” of the great white canvas?
There are adventures galore, enough to satisfy any healthy youngster.
PHIL THE SHOWMAN, or LIFE IN THE SAWDUST RING. By Stanley Norris.
YOUNG SHOWMAN’S RIVALS, or UPS AND DOWNS OF THE ROAD. By Stanley
Norris.
YOUNG SHOWMAN’S PLUCK, or AN UNKNOWN RIDER IN THE RING. By Stanley
Norris.
YOUNG SHOWMAN’S TRIUMPH, or A GRAND TOUR ON THE ROAD. By Stanley
Norris.
ZIG-ZAG, THE BOY CONJURER, or LIFE ON AND OFF THE STAGE. By Victor
St. Clair.
ZIP, THE ACROBAT, or THE OLD SHOWMAN’S SECRET. By Victor St. Clair.
Price, 50 cents per volume
THE MATTHEW WHITE SERIES
These books are full of good, clean adventure, thrilling enough to
please the full-blooded wide-awake boy, yet containing nothing to which
there can be any objection from those who are careful as to the kind of
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ADVENTURES OF A YOUNG ATHLETE.--A story of how a boy saved his
father’s name and fortune.
ERIC DANE.--Interesting experiences of a boy of means.
GUY HAMMERSLEY.--How an energetic boy cleared his name.
MY MYSTERIOUS FORTUNE.--An extremely interesting story of a $100,000
check.
THE TOUR OF A PRIVATE CAR.--Interesting experiences of a young
private secretary.
THE YOUNG EDITOR.--Experiences of a bright boy editing a weekly paper.
Price, 50 cents per volume
For sale by all booksellers, or sent, postpaid, on receipt of price by
the publisher
DAVID McKAY, Philadelphia
_The Famous Adventure Series_
An ideal series of books for boys of all ages. The stories are of the
bright and sparkling kind, full of adventures on land and sea and not
over-burdened with lengthy descriptions; in fact, just the sort that
must appeal to every healthy boy who is fond of thrilling exploits and
deeds of heroism.
The names of the authors give sufficient guarantee to their merits.
Among these may be mentioned Henry Harrison Lewis, who is a graduate of
the Naval Academy at Annapolis, and has written a great many books for
boys.
A VOYAGE TO THE GOLD COAST. By Frank H. Converse.
An adventurous trip of New England boys to Africa.
CAMP IN THE SNOW. By Wm. Murray Graydon.
Boys’ winter camp life in northern New England.
CENTREBOARD JIM. By Henry Harrison Lewis.
The secret of Sargasso Sea.
FROM LAKE TO WILDERNESS. By Wm. Murray Graydon.
Adventures around the northern lakes.
HOW HE WON. By Brooks McCormick.
Triumphs of a plucky boy afloat and ashore.
IN SEARCH OF AN UNKNOWN RACE. By Frank H. Converse.
A thrilling story of exploration in Brazil.
KING OF THE ISLAND. By Henry Harrison Lewis.
Strange adventures on a South Sea Island.
TOM HAVEN WITH THE WHITE SQUADRON. By Lieut. James K. Orton.
The adventures of a young inventor of a submarine boat.
Illustrated, cloth binding, 50 cents per volume
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THE ANNAPOLIS SERIES
By ENSIGN CLARKE FITCH, U. S. N.
A graduate of the U. S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, and thoroughly
familiar with all naval matters Mr. Fitch has devoted himself to
literature, and has written a series of books for boys that every young
American should read. His stories are full of interesting information
about the navy, training ships, etc.
BOUND FOR ANNAPOLIS, or The Trials of a Sailor Boy.
CLIF, THE NAVAL CADET, or Exciting Days at Annapolis.
THE CRUISE OF THE TRAINING SHIP, or Clif Faraday’s Pluck.
FROM PORT TO PORT, or Clif Faraday in Many Waters.
A STRANGE CRUISE, or Clif Faraday’s Yacht Chase.
Illustrated, cloth binding, 75 cents per volume
THE WEST POINT SERIES
By LIEUT. FREDERICK GARRISON, U. S. A.
Every American boy takes a keen interest in the affairs of West Point.
No more capable writer on this popular subject could be found than
Lieut. Garrison, who vividly describes the life, adventures and unique
incidents that have occurred in that great institution--in these famous
West Point stories.
OFF FOR WEST POINT, or Mark Mallory’s Struggle.
A CADET’S HONOR, or Mark Mallory’s Heroism.
ON GUARD, or Mark Mallory’s Celebration.
THE WEST POINT TREASURE, or Mark Mallory’s Strange Find.
THE WEST POINT RIVALS, or Mark Mallory’s Stratagem.
Illustrated, cloth binding, 75 cents per volume
For sale by all booksellers, or sent, postpaid, on receipt of price by
the publisher
DAVID McKAY, Philadelphia
TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES:
Italicized or underlined text is surrounded by underscores: _italics_.
Obvious typographical errors have been corrected.
Inconsistencies in hyphenation have been standardized.
Archaic or variant spelling has been retained.
The Table of Contents was created by the transcriber for the reader’s
convenience and is granted to the public domain.