And then the old Princeton “grad” began to put the young battery through a course of instruction that delighted their hearts. He even took a turn in the box himself and sent some sizzling hot ones down that rather staggered Paul.
“You may be a ‘has-been’ as you say, sir, but I wouldn’t like to stand up before you if you were in your prime,” remarked the catcher, as he blocked a ball that nearly took him off his feet.
“Thank you, Paul. That’s as sincere a compliment as I ever received. And now, Ralph, one more turn here in the box and I think you will have exercised that wing of yours quite enough for this morning. Be careful of it, so that you don’t take cold between now and ball time. I’m satisfied that the good people of Columbia will see a game worth the price to-day.”
Ralph felt ten per cent. better after having this talk and work with the veteran player. He knew that he could carry out his end of the arrangement if he only managed to keep up his courage and confidence.
So it was in that frame of mind he ate his lunch, and later on dressed for the expected game.
Although it was hardly yet half-past two o’clock, a steady stream of people had commenced to pour out in the direction of the big field where the Columbia sports were carried on, from baseball and running, to football in the autumn.
This level tract was at a considerable distance from the town. Being between Columbia proper and the town of Bellport down the river, it could be reached by the trolley, or vehicles. As many people did not care to ride, and the walking was good, the mile of road was covered with pedestrians, many of them boys in squads, all earnestly discussing the coming contest, and the chances of victory.
Hundreds were also pouring into the place from Clifford above. Cheated out of a show in the contest by a perverse fate, the fans of that town were just as anxious to see which of their rivals would come out ahead in the series.
Ralph was a very modest boy. He purposely took a roundabout course to the ball field, when starting forth, as he wished to avoid meeting with the crowds that thronged the trolley cars and the main road.
He knew he could easily make the grounds in good time, though his detour would cause him to pass over two miles instead of one. And just then Ralph really wanted to have a little more time by himself to brace up for the exciting event that was before him.