The absence of the regular pitcher and catcher of the Lakeports was quickly noticed by scores of spectators and various were the comments in consequence.
"Where is Joe Westmore? I thought he was going to pitch."
"And Fred Rush was going to catch. I don't see either of them."
"Link Darrow is practicing with the ball, and Matt Roscoe is catching for him."
"Well, Link is pretty good, but not as good as Joe."
"You're right there, and they want the best battery they've got to-day, or they'll lose."
Swiftly the minutes flew by and still no Joe and no Fred. Harry held his watch in his hand almost constantly.
"It's no use!" he groaned at last. "We have got to start up the game without them!"
CHAPTER XXVII.
A RACE AGAINST TIME.