"Do you?" said Gus Gunnison, brightening up. "Well, our club is going to play the Resolutes from the next town this afternoon. We are one man short. Will you take his place?"
"Yes, I shall be glad to."
"What place do you prefer?"
"I'll take any you choose to give me."
"Can you catch?"
"I like it better than anything else."
"Then that's settled. Come over and I'll show you the ground, and introduce you to some of the fellows."
When the members of the Carterville club learned that the famous young musician, Dean Dunham, had agreed to play on their side, they were very much elated. There was, however, a slight uneasiness lest he should not prove a skillful player, as they were eager to beat their visitors. A little practice playing, however, showed them that Dean was quite equal to any one in their club, and they became eager for the fray.
Dean did not disappoint them. He entered into the game with enthusiasm, and played with unusual skill, so that the Resolutes were beaten by a score of 18 to 8, and the victory was largely attributed to the good playing of the new catcher, who proved equally good in batting.