Frank had not known Raybold intended to insert the notice. After the notice appeared Merry kept still and awaited results.
He had lingered in Elkton with his team, hoping another game could be secured.
Seymour Whittaker was indignant. He looked around for Raybold and demanded to know why the people of Elkton had been insulted. Raybold laughed and said no insult was intended. Whittaker insisted that the newspaper notice plainly insinuated that the Elktonites were afraid their team would be beaten if it met the Merries again.
“It looks that way to me,” said Raybold.
“You know we’re not afraid.”
“Prove it.”
“We will!” cried Whittaker. “I’ll have the directors of the team get together. They can instruct Lawrence to arrange for the game. Then I presume you’ll squeal on that betting talk you’ve made.”
“Hardly.”
“Put your money up now, then.”
“All right.”