"I say they did count, and the umpire says so too," declared Joe, bravely. "We want our money."
One word brought on another, and at last several of the Camdale players, backed up by some town roughs, began to show fight. Blows were given and taken freely, but in the end the Camdale fellows were forced to retreat. Then Joe threatened two of the crowd with arrest; and in the end the Lakeport nine received what was justly due them and marched off in triumph.
"I don't want to play that gang again," said Fred in disgust.
"They aren't fit for any club to play with," came from Harry.
"After this we shall have to be more particular about our challenges," added Joe. "Before we send a challenge or accept one we must find out if the rival club is made up of decent fellows."
Following his one appearance on the ball field Augustus De Vere sent in his resignation as a member of the club and it was promptly accepted.
"I really don't care for the game, don't you know," drawled Augustus, when speaking of it later. "It's a rude pastime at the best. I'd rather take a stroll, don't you know, or play pool."
"Well, everybody to his taste," answered Joe, briefly.
"You didn't win that game anyhow," said the dudish young man, maliciously.
"No, but we tied the score and that was something."