This was a good omen in itself, and the Rockledge boys were chock-full of confidence, as they slipped into their baseball suits in the gymnasium before going on the field.
“We’ve just got to win to-day, Fred,” remarked Bobby. “It would never do to lose with all our folks in the stand looking on.”
“You bet we’ll win,” replied Fred emphatically. “If we don’t, I’ll hunt up some hole, slip in and pull the hole in after me.”
Mr. and Mrs. Blake had come down on this last day. Fred’s father and mother were also present, accompanied by Betty. And to give the boys a pleasant surprise they had brought Scat Monroe and Pat Moriarty along with them.
The weather had been a little threatening in the morning, but about noon it cleared beautifully. A great crowd was present, for all the towns near Monatook Lake had become interested in the pennant fight, and people came in droves to see the deciding game.
Bobby and Fred went up in the stand for a little chat with their friends and families before the game began.
“Oh, I’m so glad it’s such a beautiful day!” exclaimed Betty gleefully. “I was so afraid the rain would come down this morning.”
“You wouldn’t expect the rain to go up, would you?” asked her brother airily.
“Smarty!” said Betty, and she made a little face at him.
“Fred had better behave himself or we’ll say ‘snowball’ to him, won’t we, Betty?” laughed Bobby.