otistical yap, and it simply killed him to death to have his
pupil step right over his head."

"What's your idea in boosting him by putting him next to a winning
proposition?"

"Perhaps I can use him, too. At any rate, he can pitch some, and by
keeping him raw and working him the way I am, I'm weakening the
pitching staff. See?"

"Oh, yes," muttered Newbert. "I swear you're a clever schemer, Herb."

"Thanks. You see, I induced this man Springer to let me have seven
bones to bet against Oakdale, and now, no matter how much they may
happen to need him, as long as he has his money at stake, they can't
coax him into the game to-day. They may try to do that if you fellows
get to batting Grant good and plenty. Oh, I've taken pains to
forestall in every direction, for I've simply got to make a killing on
this go. How's the weather?"

"Fine, but you'll need to wear an overcoat in the auto. I didn't take
one, but it's rather cool whistling through the air at the rate Foxy
drives. Besides, you've got to look out for that cold. Better wear a
cloth overcoat now than a wooden one by and by."

"Don't talk that way," shivered Herbert. "I'm not anxious to shuffle
off."

He brought his overcoat from the wardrobe, and Newbert helped him into
it, after which they descended the stairs together.

CHAPTER XXVI.

THE PLUNGE FROM THE BRIDGE.

Herbert was introduced to Foxhall and Snead. The former, with goggles
pushed up on his forehead, pulled off his gauntlet glove to shake
hands, saying he was mighty glad to meet Dade Newbert's chum, of whom
he'd heard so much from Newbert's lips.

"Yes," gurgled Snead, as he also shook hands; "according to Dade,
you're a warm old scout. Get right in here with me, and hang on when
Foxy turns on the juice, for there'll be something doing. I imagine
we'll touch only a few of the very elevated spots on our way back,
judging by the way he cut it out coming over. If you're nervous----"

"Don't worry about me," said Rackliff, as he settled himself beside the
fat fellow. "I'm simply dying for something to stir up my blood and
set it circulating."

Foxhall adjusted his goggles, switched on the current, and pressed a
button that started the engine.

"Ho! ho! We're off!" cried Newbert. "Just watch 'em rubber when we
zip down through town. There's a bump this side of the bridge; hang on
when we strike it, Herb."

Foxhall turned the car, yanking it round in a see-saw that wa