“I am afraid it’s impossible,” he answered. “I didn’t expect such a crowd to-day or I would have had officers present. I am sorry if they are offensive in their conduct or talk, but I can’t repress them without assistance.”
In his heart he had no desire to repress them. Jack Cole had not spoken a falsehood when he told Dick that through Hammerswell the toughs had been gathered up and brought to the field.
No one seemed to observe Cole until he was noticed batting the ball while the Fairhaven team was practicing. Then there were numerous expressions of surprise over the fact that Jack was in a playing suit.
Hammerswell observed him and walked swiftly over to the home team’s bench, on which sat Chester Arlington.
“What’s that fellow, Cole, doing here?” inquired the Maplewood manager.
“You tell me,” said Chester sourly. “I don’t know.”
“He has a suit on.”
“My eyes are all right. I see he has.”
“What’s the matter with you? You’re crusty.”
“It’s my turn to pitch to-day,” said Chester. “Are you going to put me in?”