"Fred not play?" gasped the others in consternation.
"I'm sorry, but he must go to Manchester. His father has sent for him," explained Mrs. Markham.
"Can't he put it off?" pleaded Sandow. "One day won't make any difference, will it?"
"Unfortunately, it will. The matter is of the utmost importance," replied Fred's mother.
"Then I must let Hal know, right after supper," declared the second baseman.
The young people did not allow this news to dampen their celebration, however, and the supper was a merry feast.
"Why does father want me, Momsy?" asked Fred, when he had a minute alone with her.
"I don't know, son. He simply telegraphed for you to go to Manchester on Wednesday; without fail."
Accompanied by the others, the boy sought Hal, who was forced to make the best of the situation. But though the absence of his second baseman would prove a serious handicap, he believed Bronson could pitch the team to victory. Consequently, when he received a note from that pitcher the next morning announcing that he, too, had been called to Manchester by his father, he was in despair.
Quickly seeking Sandow, he discussed with him what was best to do.