Then came a fellow named Parsons, the best hitter of the Rockville club.
"Hurrah! Parsons, show 'em where the back fence is!"
With two men out, Dave faced the batter. He sent in a low ball which Parsons tried to find—and failed. Then Parsons tried again—and failed. Then Dave sent in the swiftest ball yet pitched, giving it all the twist possible.
"Three strikes—batter out!"
And the game was won, and with it the championship of the two schools!
"Beautiful! beautiful!" cried Doctor Clay, when he came down into the field to congratulate the club. "It was the best exhibition of ball-playing I've seen in a long time."
And all the visitors to Oak Hall and many others agreed with him. Dave was the lion of the occasion, and his many friends nearly wrung his hand off. The other members of the nine also came in for a share of the praise. The Rockville boys felt their defeat keenly, but had to acknowledge that they had been beaten fairly.
As soon as he could get away from his chums, Dave sought out Laura and Jessie.
"I've got those letters," he whispered to Laura. "And I doubt if Link Merwell will ever trouble you again."
"Oh, I am so thankful, Dave!" she answered.
