With the arrival of the Landon players and supporters, however, the Baxter students put forth the appearance of confidence.
Again the Landon section used tin horns and it did not take the students long to realize they bothered Bart.
In consequence, every time he wound up to pitch, they let loose a broadside of discordant toots.
For five innings, the bully managed to hold his opponents runless, but in the sixth he went all to pieces, and when Holcomb relieved him, Landon had a lead of four runs.
Goaded to desperation by the caustic comments of their captain, the Baxter boys sought to wrest victory from defeat, but in vain. And Landon won, 4 to 1, thereby necessitating a third game at Winthrop.
CHAPTER XX
AN INTERVIEW OF IMPORTANCE
Bright and early on the day of the game, Fred and Bronson had taken the train for Manchester, the three hours' journey being whiled away in speculation as to the cause of their summons and the showing Bart would be able to make against Landon.
Arrived at the city, Bronson accompanied Fred to the firm for whom Mr. Markham was working, and, after being introduced, left the father and son together while he went to his home.
After so many months' separation from his family, Mr. Markham had a veritable avalanche of questions to ask.