Then he made up his mind that he would get under the next one and knock the peeling off it.
He got under it all right, for instead of being a drop it was a rise, and the batter struck at least eighteen inches below it.
"Well, say," laughed Gordon, who had been placed second on the list at his own request.

"I'll go you something he doesn't work that on me." He was full of confidence when he walked up to the plate.

The watching sophomores were doing their best to rattle Merriwell, and it seemed that he must soon get nervous, even though he did not seem to hear any of the jolly that was being flung at him.
The very first ball seemed to be just where Gordon wanted it, and he swung at it with all his strength.

It twisted in toward him and passed within two inches of his fingers.
Gordon looked mildly surprised, but he was still confident that he would be able to hit the next one with ease.

He found out his mistake later on when he went after an out drop and failed to come within six inches of it.
Then it was Gordon who grew nervous.