“But you, Frank—you are going right away into Mexico?” questioned Elsie.
“It’s absolutely necessary,” nodded Merry gravely. “I can’t get out of it, even should I wish to.”
At this moment Henry Crossgrove, stout and florid, came toward them, mopping his face with his handkerchief.
“The captain tells me we will reach Fairhaven Island within an hour,” he said. “I hope that will enable you to see the whole of the baseball game, Merriwell. Sorry we are not there now.”
“Oh, it’s all right,” smiled Frank. “If we miss the first of the game, we may arrive in time to see the finish. We’ve had a delightful little cruise, Mr. Crossgrove, and we’ll not soon forget your hospitality.”
CHAPTER XXI
ARLINGTON COWS HAMMERSWELL.
It was the beginning of the ninth inning of the first game in Fairhaven and the home team was one score ahead.
The visitors had made a gallant fight for the game which was not yet ended. Indeed, Maplewood had not given up, as soon became apparent.
On previous occasions crowds had gathered on that field, but never before in the history of Fairhaven had there been such a wonderful turnout to witness a game of baseball. Not only was every seat taken, but on each side of the ground ropes had been stretched far down past first and third bases in order to keep those standing from crowding onto the field. Even then it was necessary to employ four officers to hold the spectators back and prevent them from pushing into the outfield.