The various players consulted their watches every few minutes and it was plainly to be seen that some of them were nervous. All had depended upon Joe and Fred to pitch and catch.
"Let us go back of the shop and practice," said Link to Matt, and they went down and Link did his best to get his arm into proper shape for the great game.
"This, in one way, is a chance for us," observed Matt.
"True, Matt, but I'd rather see Joe on deck—not but what I am willing enough to pitch. I shouldn't care if it was some other game than the one for the championship of our town."
"That's the way I look at it, too."
At last it got so late that Harry called the club together. All were in their uniforms, and Harry directed that the suits belonging to Fred and Joe be taken to the little dressing-room under the grand stand at the grounds.
"They may show up at the last minute," said he, "and if they do they won't have time to come up here and dress."
The game for the championship of Lakeport had been widely advertised and the ball grounds were already beginning to fill up when the club arrived there. The grand stand was packed.
"Gracious, what a crowd!" murmured Bart, as he looked around. "I never saw so many people in Lakeport in my life!"
"And to think Joe and Fred are not here," groaned Frank. "It's enough to make one sick at heart."