"Let the Racer boys be the captains," came from Ward.
"Sure!" was the general assent, and soon Frank and Andy were choosing sides.
"Want to come in?" asked Frank, of Billy Chase, who sauntered up when almost the last player had been picked.
"Well, I'm not very good at it, but I'd like to get in the game."
"All right then. I'll put you out in the field. By the way, no hard feelings about the other night, I hope?"
"Not at all," laughed Billy. "I sure did take you for a hold-up man, though. And as I'm carrying about with me some valuable——" He seemed to recollect himself suddenly, and stopped with a jerk. "Oh, no hard feelings at all," he said presently. "I can take a joke."
"Glad of it," spoke Frank. "Well, let's play ball."
The impromptu game began. The playing was rather ragged, for it was the first real contest of the season, and none of the lads was in form. But it was lots of fun for all that.
Andy was at the bat, and Frank's side was in the field. Andy knocked what ought to have been a three-bagger, out in center field, seemingly away over the player's head, and beyond him. But, by a phenomenal run, and a quick jump, Billy Chase gathered in the ball, retiring the side.
"Good catch!"