"A regular cinch," declared Boardman. "I expect to win a lot of money on this match."
Nearly all of the members of the Excelsiors were elated to think that Joe and Fred had failed to appear. But only three or four were in Voup's secret, and all of these had bet heavily on the result.
The umpire was on hand and the toss-up gave Lakeport the choice of innings. Without hesitation they sent the rival club to the bat.
"That's queer," murmured Si Voup to Boardman. "I should think they would keep off the diamond as long as possible, thinking that their old pitcher and catcher would appear."
"Maybe they are conceited enough to think that they can do as well with Link Darrow and Matt Roscoe."
"Well, if that's the case they will soon learn that they are mistaken."
Out on the field rushed the seven players of the Lakeport Club and took their respective positions. A short hurrah went up, but silence followed when it was noticed that the positions of pitcher and catcher were vacant.
"They must be going to throw up the game," thought Si Voup.
There was an expectant pause and then Harry gave a short, clear whistle. The door to the little dressing-room burst open and out ran Fred and Joe in their natty uniforms and took their respective positions behind the bat and in the pitcher's box.
As soon as they appeared a yell went up which grew louder and louder.