Few in Gridley who knew the state of affairs had any idea that Dick Prescott would be able to stand in the box against Gardiner. But the young pitcher boarded a trolley car, accompanied by Dave Darrin, and both reached the Athletic Field before two o'clock. Dr. Bentley was there soon after. In the Gridley dressing room, Dick's left leg was bared, while Coach Luce drew off his coat and rolled up his shirt sleeves. Under the physician's direction the coach administered a very thorough massage, following this with an alcohol rubbing.
When it was all over Dick rose to exhibit the motions of that leg before the eyes of the doubtful physician.
CHAPTER XVII
WHEN THE HOME FANS QUIVERED
"Is Prescott going to toss!"
"They say not."
"It's a shame."
"And there's a suspicion," whispered one of the High School speakers, "that the other name of the shame is Fred Ripley."
"He ought to be lynched!"
"But he claims that an attempt was made against him, also."