Doctor Raymond came down among the boys to congratulate them on the victory they had won for the school, and Mr. Carrier was even more enthusiastic over the success of his charges.
“You’ve made a fine start, boys, and I’m proud of you,” he told them. “Now, don’t let down a bit, but keep it right up to the finish of the season.”
“We will.”
“Trust us.”
“We’ve only begun to fight.”
“That’s the right spirit,” said Mr. Carrier, smiling. “And now to make you feel better, I’m going to tell you that I’ve just received a telegram that Ridgefield whipped Belden this afternoon by seven to three.”
A tremendous shout arose at this. They had counted on Belden as the rival from whom they had the most to fear, and they were immensely pleased to learn that it had begun the season with a defeat.
It was a jubilant throng of boys that made their way toward the school buildings that afternoon. They knew that a rocky road lay ahead of them, but a good deal depended upon the start, and it was a great thing to know that they had the lead on the other fellows.
“Hicksley acted like a game sport this afternoon when he threw the ball down in the box instead of handing it to you,” remarked Fred, with whom the incident rankled.
“Oh, well,” said Bobby, “you must make some allowance for him. It was natural that he should feel sore.”