s
companion's money, and in the momentary silence that followed a slow
flush mounted to Roy's temples.

"The team practices a little at ten o'clock," said Rackliff, glancing
at his handsome watch. "It's getting near that time. Come on over to
the field and watch me throw out a bait for suckers."

"I don't think I will," said Hooker. "I believe I'd better keep away,
and there won't be any talk made."

"Suit yourself," coughed Herbert, lighting another cigarette. "I've
got to get busy if I'm going to hook anything."

Half an hour later Rackliff strolled onto the field and took up a
position near one of the players' benches, where he watched the Oakdale
nine at practice. At times he smiled with a supercilious air of
amusement, and especially was this noticeable when Eliot complimented
the players or some one made some sort of a fumble or fluke.

Practice was brought to a close with each member of the team taking a
turn at the bat, base running being cut out, however. Grant did the
pitching, for Springer was "saving his arm."

Chipper Cooper hit the ball handsomely three times in succession, and
relinquished the bat with a whoop of satisfaction.

"Got my eye with me to-day," he cried. "We've all got 'em peeled;
everybody has. Sanger'll have his troubles. We'll win like a breeze,
fellows."

"How very confident you are," said Rackliff, moving slowly forward.
"You all seem to think this game is going to be a cinch for Oakdale,
but I've got an idea that you'll sing a different tune to-night."

"Oh, you have!" cried Chipper, turning on him. "Listen to Solomon, the
wise man, fellers."

"I have a fancy that Barville is going to win," stated Herbert, not a
whit abashed. "In fact, I believe it so much that I'm willing to make
a little bet on it."

"Bet you a pint of peanuts," gurgled Chub Tuttle.

"Don't ruin yourself by such recklessness. I've got some real money."

"Dinged if he ain't a sport!" sneered Site Crane. "He wants to bet
real money on the game."

"How does it happen you have the impression that Barville will beat us,
Rackliff?" inquired Roger Eliot mildly.

"Well, now, I don't mind answering that," beamed Herbert. "Barville
has got a surprise for you. I'm not supposed to mention it, but I
can't keep it any longer. They've got a new catcher, a friend of mine,
and----"

"I suppose you think he can play the whole game," scoffed Phil
Springer. "A friend of yours, eh? Well, if he knows a