"Of course we are going to play only amateur nines," said Bart.
"To be sure. We'd stand no show at all against professionals," answered Harry.
Altogether twelve boys had joined the club, but several of these were not overly enthusiastic and were quite willing to be placed "on the bench," as it is termed, as substitutes. The first meeting was declared a great success, and all of the boys went home feeling that Lakeport was to be represented by a real baseball club at last.
"I don't know where we are to get our initiation fees," said Joe to his brother. "I don't suppose you've got any money left?"
"Yes, Joe; father lent me a little," answered Harry. He was glad of a chance to mention the fact.
"Oh!"
"I can let you have fifty cents," and Harry brought out that sum and handed it over.
Sunday passed quietly, the majority of the boys going both to church and Sunday-school. So far Harry had had no chance to get back his camera and he resolved to go after it on Monday, directly after school.
"I've got an errand to do," he told Joe. "You'll have to get along without me on the ball field," and he hurried away before his brother could question him.
It was a long walk to Camdale and Harry was glad enough to "get a lift" on a farm wagon that happened to be passing, the turnout being driven by Andy Dugan, the father of Teddy, already introduced.