Half a moment later he reappeared and locked the door as silently as he had unlocked it. Darting swiftly into his room, he switched on the light and drew something from his pocket, examining it swiftly. His eyes glittered, and he again snapped off his light and undressed in the darkness, carefully stowing away the object in his coat pocket.
“A thousand dollars in cash!” he murmured, as he crept into bed. “Pop, if you could only see me now!”
CHAPTER XXXI.
BEFORE THE GAME.
“How’s everything, Chip?”
“Great, Mr. Trayne! We’re going to do some topside playing this afternoon!”
“Glad to hear it,” said the coach, with a smile. “Have you decided to keep Kess at second?”
“If you approve, sir. Lowe at third, Harker at short, and O’Day in Villum’s place in right. It’s a new line-up, but I think it’s tremendously strengthened.”
Coach Trayne nodded quick assent.
“You’ve done wonders with those chaps already, Chip! Crockett was a dandy captain, but he seemed content to keep the men in their old positions. This change of yours is going to give the fans a big surprise.”