The story of the great betting on the ball-game that was to take place within two days spread swiftly through the city, so that it became the talk in sporting circles.
Frank was very sorry that anything of the sort had happened, but still his conscience was clear, as he had rigidly refused to be driven into wagering money with a man like Elrich. When the other members of Frank’s team heard about it, they all expressed satisfaction.
“Why, it’s the greatest ad we could have had!” laughed Jack Ready. “I’ll wager my loveliest pair of drop-stitch hose that we draw the biggest crowd ever seen at a ball-game in this city. And how I will surprise the populace. La! la!”
“Jiminy!” gurgled Gamp. “Th-th-th-things are beginning to git lively right off!”
“Money! money!” sighed Carker, shaking his head dolefully. “It is the root of all evil! It stirs up contention and strife! It arouses greed and envy! Ah, will the day ever come when all men shall be equally rich and equally poor?”
“Lot on your knife—I mean not on your life!” exclaimed Rattleton promptly.
That evening Hodge and Ready were walking along one of the principal streets of the city when an old woman stopped them at a corner, croaking:
“Young gentlemen, I can tell your past and future. I am Gipsy Mag, the seventh daughter of a seventh daughter. Let me read your palms, and all the mysteries of your lives shall be revealed to you.”
“Tell me, pretty maiden, are there any more at home like you?” warbled Ready.
“I have no home,” she answered. “My home is the whole world. For a quarter I will reveal to you many things.”