Chester’s face brightened.
“Now, that’s great stuff, Captain Merriwell!” he said. “I won’t forget this of you, and you see if I don’t work like a dog to take that game!”
“I hope you take it,” said Dick.
CHAPTER II.
FARDALE’S BRILLIANT OPENING.
The game of the Great Northern being well advertised and the day fair and bright, a large crowd turned out. The Great Northern boys seemed to think the whole thing something of a lark. They looked on the cadets with amusement, fancying they could win the game with ease.
At the usual hour the game was called, with the visitors at bat. When Chester Arlington went into the box for Fardale and Dick Merriwell was seen sitting on the bench, there came from the cadets a murmur of surprise and disappointment.
“Well, what do you think of that?” exclaimed Hector Marsh, who was seated with his usual companions, Walker, Preston, and Shaw. “Arlington is going to pitch this game.”
“This is clever of Merriwell,” said Preston. “He is sending a lamb to the slaughter. He knows which side his bread is buttered on. We can’t beat those fellows.”
“Well, I will say one thing,” observed Walker. “This is the first time I have ever known Merriwell to decline to face the music.”
“It shows just how big a chump Arlington is,” growled Marsh. “Why, poor fellow! he oughter know better!”