“My words are plain. I saw the look that passed between you and that man a short time ago. My eyes are pretty wide open.”
“Why, I don’t know the man. He came along to the gate as we were entering, and walked in with us.”
“By appointment?”
“Nothing of the sort! I tell you I don’t know him. And anybody who knows me will swear that my word is good.”
“In a matter of cards or other gambling it may be. But I wish you to inform Anton Mescal that I shall be better prepared for him next time. The ball that brings him down then will be of lead, and not a common baseball.”
CHAPTER XXVII.
A DASTARDLY TRICK.
Frank went directly from the ball-grounds to police headquarters, where he told of the attempted abduction of Dick, giving a full description of Anton Mescal, and entering complaint against the man. The police fancied Mescal was an old offender under another name, and promised to do their best to lay hands on him.
When Merry reached the Hotel Metropole he found that something had happened. Mr. Carson had again encountered Black Elrich, who had expressed a doubt concerning his sincerity in the assertion that he would back Merry’s ball-team. As a result, Carson had deposited the money at once, and Elrich had covered it, with the understanding that the game was to take place within two days.
“Two days!” exclaimed Frank, as the cattleman reached this point in his report of what had taken place.
“Yes,” nodded Carson. “He said he would not object if you wished to play to-morrow, but would prefer that the game take place on the day following.”