"Well, I shan't bet," answered Joe. "I don't believe in it."
That Si Voup was betting was true. Some of the money was his own and some he borrowed from his friends. Several cautioned him about what he was doing, but he only smiled quietly and went on as before. Then several of the other club members began to bet also, until, all told, the crowd had quite a sum at stake.
"They must think they are going to have a walkover," said Fred. "What can it mean, Harry?"
"I'm sure I don't know."
"Perhaps he has taken in some professional players on the sly," came from Matt.
"We'll write to him for his list of players," said Joe, and this was done. The list came the next day, showing that but one change had been made, in consequence of Kyle Fenton's resignation. Then Si demanded the list of Lakeport players and this was likewise forwarded.
"This is going to be the hottest game ever played in this vicinity," said Harry. "The Excelsiors are out for blood."
"Well, we'll give them as hard a rub as we can," answered Joe.
On Friday, the day before the game was to come off, Fred told Joe that he had an errand to do up the lake shore, at a place called Hollow Cove.
"I'd like first-rate to have you come along," he added.