Purcell signaled him to let the ball come in over the plate.
Now the air was all a-tingle.

The visitors had a run in sight.
Dick felt the thrill, but steeled himself against any impulsiveness or loss of nerve.

He signaled the drive, then let go.

Three strikes and out, the ball all the while so closely under control that Prendergast fidgeted but did not dare steal far from third.
Then came Dowdy to the bat.

He was far and away the best batsman from Gardiner.