“I did and Fred told me that he left hours ago.”
Paul shook his head dejectedly. “Wonder what could have happened to him?” he muttered.
The boys formed a circle around Paul. Someone asked, “You think there is any chance of calling the game off?”
“No. What for? Suppose we lose the game, what difference would it make? We’ll play just the same.” Most of the boys nodded in agreement. Paul added, “All right, fellows, break it up. Let’s not show that we’re handicapped and need anyone’s pity. We’ll hold our own. Ken, are you warming up? You’re going into the box to start the game.”
Ken nodded. “Okey. I’m ready.”
Just then Major McCarthy came walking across the field. The boys waved to him. Paul greeted him. “Hello, major.”
“Hello, Paul. Came over to see the game.” Paul took the major by the arm and led him to one side.
“Wallace is missing,” he said. “He’s our star pitcher; without him, we have no chance of winning. But that’s beside the point. I’m worried about him. You have no idea what happened to him, do you?”
The major shook his head. “Why, no,” he answered. “I gave him a lesson and he left the airport at about ten. He even asked me to come and watch him pitch the game.”