One well-known sporting writer demonstrated in his paper, to his own satisfaction, at least, that it was utterly impossible for Merriwell’s team to defeat the fast nine formed from the very best of the “timber” left over from the big leagues.
It must not be fancied that Frank himself felt certain of winning. He knew the sort of a “proposition” he and his comrades were going up against. It aroused all his sporting blood and determination. It likewise aroused the others. Hodge was the only man on the team who seemed confident of victory, but all were resolved to play for their very lives.
At least, it would be no disgrace if they met defeat. They practiced faithfully, and each day Merry worked at his new curve.
“Bart,” he said, “I hope I can fool those chaps with that ball. I hear they are wonderful batters. I have been told that they have found a man who throws something like the double-shoot, and they have been practicing batting with him as pitcher. They expect to fall on me when I hand them up the double-shoot and hammer me to the four winds.”
“You’ll fool them, Merry,” nodded Hodge positively. “If they get a single hit off that curve I shall be surprised.”
“You’ve seen what the papers are saying about our prospects. We’re called fast enough to make it interesting for college teams, but several degrees too weak to hold down the Outcasts. Henshaw, of the Universe, says the chances are more than even that we’ll not score if O’Neill is used against us. Anderson, of the Standard, says it would be a shame to use O’Neill and give us no chance; he urges Manager McGann to put in Brackett. Pulsifer, of the Evening Dispatch, thinks we are going to lose the reputation we have made on our trip this season.”
“And they all make me tired!” cried Bart. “We’ll give them a chance to sing another song in their Sunday columns.”
The boys took care of themselves, lived properly and sought to come up to the game in the pink of condition.
Frank kept his eyes open for Hobart Manton, but once more Manton seemed to have disappeared completely.
From Wallace Grafter he learned that charges had been preferred at the Eagle Heights A.A. against Frost and Necker, as having attempted to assault an honorary member of the club. Merriwell had been taken into the Eagle Heights A.A. after his success at the meet in defeating two of its champions.