“I expect so,” was his surprising answer.
“You don’t mean it, Hal!” cried Doris quickly.
“Why not?” he said. “Fairport has been winning right along this season, and Fardale might be in better shape.”
“What’s the matter?” Doris questioned. “I knew something was wrong. I could tell it by their actions.”
“Oh, I don’t know that there is anything particular the matter, but the whole team is in bad shape. It has struck one of those streaks when a team goes down hill. They have fallen off in their batting and in their fielding.”
“I told you Fairport would win to-day,” said Bessie Dale. “Of course, I am sorry for you girls, and I know you think your great Captain Merriwell can’t be defeated.”
Doris made a place at her side, and Hal sat down.
“Can’t you find out what the trouble is?” she asked.
“I am not particularly anxious about it,” he indifferently retorted, speaking in a low tone. “In fact, I don’t care a rap if Mr. Merriwell does get his bumps to-day.”
“How can you say so, Hal! I don’t understand you!”