"Then let me hear the plan," answered Si. "I certainly want to win that game, if not in one way then in another."
Half an hour later Dan Marcy had unfolded his plot in all of its details. It pleased Si Voup and he agreed to take it under consideration and let the former bully of Lakeport know what he would do about it in a few days.
CHAPTER XXIII.
THE KIDNAPPING OF JOE AND FRED.
As the days went by Joe kept his club practicing constantly. He also pitched a great deal, so that his arm might be in perfect condition when the game with their rivals should come off. He had a new drop curve which he trusted would prove effective in deceiving the Excelsior batters.
Si Voup had sent several written communications to the Lakeports. One was that the game should take place on a certain Saturday, beginning at exactly three o'clock, and that there should be no postponement unless it rained heavily.
"I don't see why he sent that," said Fred. "We understood it that way all along."
"Oh, he wants to appear officious!" grumbled Frank. "Tell him we'll be there on the minute, and we'll play in any kind of weather he wants," and this was done.
A day or two later Link came into the clubroom and announced that Voup was making some heavy bets on the Excelsiors.
"I don't know where he is getting the money," said he, "but he has got it and he doesn't seem to be afraid to risk it, either."