It was soon noised about the town that a series of three games had been arranged between the rival clubs, and there was much discussion as to which club would win. Some grew enthusiastic one way and some another, and not a few wagers were laid.
"If we lose we'll never hear the end of it," said Harry to Joe one day, when on the way to school. "How Si Voup and his cronies will crow!"
"Don't think of losing, Harry. We've simply got to win, that is all there is to it."
As already mentioned, the school term at Lakeport was drawing to a close. Many of the boys had to work on the farms of that locality, and school was to shut up on the Friday previous to the day fixed for the first ball game of the series.
"We mustn't forget to give Old Stovepipe a good send-off," said Harry.
"Don't you worry about that," said Fred. "Matt Roscoe and I have one little plan fixed."
"And I've got a plan, too," came from Link. "Bart is going to help me carry it out."
"Here is something to set the ball a-rolling with," came from Frank, and he disclosed a big cigar box which he had been carrying under his coat.
"What have you there?" questioned Joe.
"Don't ask questions, but watch out. This is going into Old Stovepipe's desk."