From this discussion there came a dissension among some members of the nine, as well as among the supporters of the team. The three chums were made the subject of a not very pleasant discussion, and they begged those who favored their playing to desist. But Bart and Bill led a faction which insisted that our heroes be allowed to play.
But Frank was stubborn and refused to consider the matter.
“Our nine is all right as it is,” he said. “Just because we lost one game to Kenwell doesn’t mean we’ll lose more. I’m not going to change my mind. Those fellows can’t play on the varsity, and that settles it,” and he banged his bat down hard on the floor of the auto-truck in which the defeated team was returning.
The subject was dropped for the time being, and was not mentioned to Frank again for several days by those favoring Jerry and his chums. But those opposed to them, on no good grounds whatsoever, nagged Frank into keeping firm in his determination.
The baseball season waxed. Because of the playing of Jerry, Ned and Bob the scrub nine won game after game, succumbing only to teams much their superior. They were doing much better than the varsity, which lost a number of games to institutions it had beaten easily the previous years. But there were still the two games with Kenwell, and by getting both of these the reputation of Boxwood could be maintained.
“But the team is in a slump,” said Bart. “It’s in a slump, and Frank knows it.”
“Only he’s too pig-headed to admit it,” agreed Bill Hamilton. “If he would let those motor boys in even for a couple of easy games, it would show what they can do and inspire confidence.”
“Yes, and it would give the regulars a rest,” went on Bart. “That is what some of us need—a rest. We’re overtrained, and it’s showing. Kenwell will walk away with us next time, you see.”
“I hope not, but I’m afraid so,” agreed Bill.