ent Nelson,
who was almost directly in line, from getting it. The Wyndham crowd
yelled madly as another runner scored and the hitter reached first
safely.

"This pitcher's the easiest one yet!" shrieked one of the coachers.
"Nail the game right here, fellows. It's easy! it's easy!"

Fear sought to fasten its benumbing clutch upon Springer. What if he
could not stop Wyndham? Rackliff would hear that he had warned Eliot
about the signals, and, seeking retaliation, would betray the fact that
he had likewise wagered money that Wyndham would win. To everybody it
must seem that Phil had at last shown himself thoroughly despicable and
untrustworthy by betraying his own team on the field. This thought
actually made him sick and giddy for a moment.

"Never mind, Spring--never mind," Eliot was saying. "That was an
accident; it wasn't a hit. Get the next man; get this fellow. You can
do it."

"I must, and I will!" thought Phil once more.

He shook off the touch of fear and steadied himself. Again Eliot gave
a signal, and again he nodded. Strangely enough, the next batter hit a
liner to the left of Springer, almost precisely as the other had done;
but this time the pitcher's gloved fingers caught and held the ball,
following which he instantly turned and snapped it to first base before
the runner, who had started down the line, could get back.

It was a double play, and a mighty shout of joy was flung forth from
beneath the fluttering crimson banners of the Oakdale spectators.
Again Phil was cheered.

"Well done, Spring," complimented Eliot quietly, as Phil reached the
bench.

Then Herbert Rackliff, pale and desperate, rushed forth to the bench,
catching Eliot's arm and saying:

"Perhaps you're not aware that Mr. Springer has bet money on this game.
He has bet money that Wyndham will win. If you don't believe me, ask
him."

Roger turned to Phil. "Is this true?"

"Yes," was the husky answer, "it's true. I gave this sus-sneaking
blabber seven dollars to bet on Wyndham, and I'll never gug-get over
being ashamed of it as long as I live. He's the creature who gave away
our signals to Wyndham. I hope I lose that mum-money, and, if you'll
trust me, I'll do my level best to make myself lose it."

The Oakdale captain turned on Rackliff. "Get off the field," he
ordered sternly. "Get back where you belong, and be quick about it."

Herbert retired, his last remaining hope being that Phil would go to
pieces i