“But with such happiness coming you can stand it. Think of the past, and how different things look now. Ralph, old chap, I’m sure glad it’s happening this way. Besides, it’ll give a fellow a chance to repeat that name Langworthy a few times to myself, so as to kind of get used to it.”
“Don’t be too dead sure,” remarked Ralph. “You know the old saying, there’s many a slip between the cup and the lip. But I’m glad you say your arm is getting on nicely, for you’ve just got to pitch next Saturday, and pull old Columbia through to glory.”
CHAPTER XXIII
WHEN CODDLING WEAKENED
Crash!
“Wow! Look at that ball go, will you?”
“And two men on bases! Here’s where we climb all over poor old Columbia!”
“What’s the score now?”
“Seven to five, and this makes it——”
“Hold on, there; you’re counting your chickens before they’re hatched. Did you notice that reliable old Jack Comfort got under that screamer, and tagged it? And if you look sharp enough, Bellport, you’ll see two husky lads tearing back to try and make their bases before the ball comes; but it’s no go! There, Seymour has it on his man, and watch him send the ball to Lanky! All out! Set ’em up in the other alley, boys!”
Such a frightful noise as followed this splendid play on the part of the club that was coming up from behind. What with Herman Hooker and his squad of howlers, megaphone and all, together with a thousand other brazen-throated shouters, it really seemed as though the very earth trembled.