CHAPTER XXVIII.
BEFORE THE GAME.
Mr. Jack Hazard proved an adept advertiser. The morning papers on the following day were “worked” scientifically for space, and a number of them told how Merriwell’s team had been challenged by the manager of another team made up mainly of fast college men, many of them knowing Merriwell well and being able to bat him hard. Still, in relation to the challenging team an air of mystery was maintained, and the name of not one player was mentioned.
Merriwell and his team reached the Polo Grounds early and entered their dressing-room, where they proceeded to change their street attire for baseball uniforms, taking their time about doing so.
“This is the first time in baseball,” said Merry, “that I ever went up against a team I knew absolutely nothing about. It’s a very remarkable affair, to say the least.”
“It has piqued my curiosity till I feel decidedly peaked,” put in Ready. “I wouldn’t be a bit surprised to find out we were up against a lot of old leaguers.”
“Perhaps it is the New York team,” rumbled Browning.
“There are lots of college men on the New Yorks!” laughed Frank.
“One, anyhow,” said Carson.