The catcher continued to grin expansively, but could not be coaxed into doing any talking.
Merriwell had been watching Clancy and Ballard with sharp eyes while they were concerning themselves with the backstop. An expression of humorous relief crossed his face, and he reached out, caught the newcomer by the arm, and drew him to one end of the veranda. From the motions the two indulged in, Clancy and Ballard could see that they were going over the signals.
“I don’t see the use of that,” grunted Clancy. “Joe had ’em down pat yesterday afternoon, and it’s a cinch he wouldn’t forget ’em this quick.”
“Nothing like being sure,” said Ballard.
For nearly half an hour, Merriwell and the catcher continued to go through their signals and to converse in low tones. At the end of that time, Mr. Bradlaugh came along in his car to take the lads to the grounds.
“All aboard, my lads!” he shouted.
As they piled into the car, Frank noticed that Mr. Bradlaugh was eying the catcher with a strange, dubious expression. For a moment Frank experienced a thrill of dismay, but he was reassured the next moment when Mr. Bradlaugh remarked:
“Joe will show them to-day what a real high-class fellow behind the bat can do in helping to win a game. I hear that you’re more than pleased with your catcher, Merriwell?”
“I am,” Frank answered, with emphasis.
When the car reached the grounds, grand stand and bleachers were crowded. Automobiles were lined up beyond the stand, and every point that commanded a good view of the diamond was filled.