hape, and declares he
will pitch the game of his life when next he faces your crowd."

"I'll tell you what the matter is, sir," and with that Jack plunged into
a brief exposition of the Donohue family troubles.

As he proceeded, he saw with kindling joy that a beaming smile had
commenced to creep over the rosy countenance of the one-time college
athlete. This encouraged him to state how a wild hope had arisen in his
heart that possibly some job might be found for Mr. Donohue that would
keep the family in Chester right along.

"We need him the worst kind, Mr. Taft," he concluded. "If Alec quits us
cold I'm afraid it's bound to set all our fine schemes for athletics in
Chester back a peg or two. This seems to be a most critical time with
us. If we win that game we're going to make many new friends around
here, who will assist us in getting that club-house we've been talking
about, and putting athletic sports on a sound footing in our town."

"Make your mind easy, Jack, my boy," said the stout gentleman, with a
nod, "Alec will toss for us next Saturday, because we won't allow the
Donohue family to shake the dust of Chester off their shoes. Why, it
happens that my night watchman has just given notice that he must throw
up his job because he has taken a position in one of those munition
works in another town, where they pay such big wages for men who know
certain things. So consider that I offer Donohue the position at
twenty-four dollars a week; and there's no reason why it shouldn't be a
permanent job, as I understand he's a reliable watchman."

Jack could hardly speak for happiness. The tears actually came in his
eyes as he wrung the hand of the gentleman.

"Oh! you don't know how happy you've made me by saying that, Mr. Taft,"
he managed to declare. "And have I permission to go over to the Donohue
home with that glorious news right away?"

"Suit yourself about that, son. Tell him to come around tomorrow and see
me; but that the job is his right now. And also tell Alec from me that
Chester expects him to fool those heavy hitters of Harmony to the top of
his bent, when he faces Hutchings, Clifford, Oldsmith, O'Leary and the
rest."

When Jack went out of that office his heart was singing with joy. The
clouds had rolled away once more, and the future looked particularly
bright. He only hoped it would be an augury of success in store for the
Chester nine in their coming battle.

CHAPTER XII

ONE TROUBLE AFTE