And the game was won, and with it the championship of the two schools!
"Beautiful! beautiful!" cried Doctor Clay, when he came down into the field to congratulate the club. "It was the best exhibition of ball-playing I've seen in a long time."
And all the visitors to Oak Hall and many others agreed with him. Dave was the lion of the occasion, and his many friends nearly wrung his hand off. The other members of the nine also came in for a share of the praise. The Rockville boys felt their defeat keenly, but had to acknowledge that they had been beaten fairly.
As soon as he could get away from his chums, Dave sought out Laura and Jessie.
"I've got those letters," he whispered to Laura. "And I doubt if Link Merwell will ever trouble you again."
"Oh, I am so thankful, Dave!" she answered. "I'll never be so foolish again as to write letters to a person with whom I am not well acquainted."
"It was grand, Dave!" cried Jessie. "It was the best victory that could be!"
"Well, I am hoping for a greater to-morrow," answered Dave, gravely.
"You mean in school?"
"Yes."