“We can get everything but a first baseman,” said Bud Bradley, thinking quickly.
“Well, maybe I can take care of that,” said Merry. He remembered that Owen Clancy was at Fardale, and his chum could be induced to come to Carsonville. “So long, then. Billy and I will get the game, and we’ll expect you right after supper. Bring all the fellows you can get, and we’ll start practice work in the morning.”
This sudden proposal had been simmering in Merriwell’s brain for some moments. He knew that it would be hard for him to get away from Fardale later in the season, and if these local players had any talent, there might be a chance of defeating the Clippers at once.
The group broke up. Merry and Billy set off together, while the others spread the news through the town in great excitement.
“We’ve undertaken a big contract, Billy. Let’s go up and see the colonel now.”
“I’m willing,” said Billy Mac. “But he’ll want to bet on the game, Chip.”
“He’ll—what?”
McQuade explained hastily. It seemed that Colonel Carson was used to plunging heavily on his own team, in common with a number of other men who followed the Amateur League. Some large sums of money changed hands as a result of the games.
“If he only knew it,” exclaimed Merry, frowning, “that will hurt his chance of ever buying into a big-league team. That sort of a man is not wanted in baseball to-day. However, we’ll see if he’s willing to play us.”
The two friends wended their way to the large white house occupied by Colonel Carson. They were met at the door by that gentleman, in person, who did not ask them inside, but stiffly inquired their business.