“Yours truly, Frank Merriwell.
“Hotel Metropole.”
As it was necessary for Merry’s team to get some practise without delay, Frank secured the privilege of using the principal ball-field of the city that afternoon.
In the forenoon the entire team appeared at a tailor’s, and the men were measured for suits.
At two o’clock in the afternoon the boys appeared on the field in order to get some practise, having bought bats, balls, gloves, mitts, and other necessary articles.
It is needless to say that Dick Merriwell went along. Old Joe Crowfoot, however, had disappeared the previous night, and had not been seen since.
It was not thought that they would be troubled with spectators, as pains had been taken not to let it become known that they thought of practising at that time.
Dick took a seat on the bleachers, where he intended to remain and watch the practise.
Frank put his men onto the field, with Swiftwing in left, Gamp center, and Carker right. Of course, Browning, apparently too weary to move, was detailed to cover first bag. In the old days Rattleton had made a very satisfactory man on second, and Merry placed him there again, while Ready was planted near third. Carson was a good infield man at any point, and Merry made him short-stop.
Then Bart and Frank started in to give the men some work by batting out to them, Merry having the infield and Bart batting to the outfield.