Zona then introduced him to her cousin, and in her tantalizing way Bessie Dale said:
“This gives me an opportunity to offer you my sympathy in advance, Mr. Merriwell. Of course, you know our boys are going to win to-day. They haven’t lost a game since getting their new suits.”
“Well, it’s about time their streak was broken,” retorted Dick. “I thank you for your sympathy, but hope we will not need it.”
“Oh, but you will! You haven’t seen Jack Ware pitch this year! All the fellows say he is a perfect wizard, and I hear your team is not batting very well now.”
“You may hear almost anything, Miss Dale. I say, Hal, can’t you give us a lift to-day? We need you.”
“Need me!” muttered Darrell in surprise. “Why do you need me?”
“Gardner was taken ill on his way here, and is too sick to play. He is out there, but he says he can’t go into the game.”
“Well, you have a substitute.”
“Yes, but not a man who can fill his place, without shifting the team around, which is a bad thing. I want to keep the boys in their regular positions.”
“Well, you know I am not in practice.”