The dinner was very choice and well served and the conversation interesting and sparkling. Joe’s hosts exerted themselves to make things pleasant. They had traveled widely and had a fund of jokes and anecdotes that made them excellent table companions.
For a time the talk ran along general lines, but later veered toward baseball.
“The Giants have made a good start this year,” remarked Harrish casually. “Do you think they’re going to win the flag again, Mr. Matson?”
“We hope so,” replied Joe, with a smile. “We’re certainly going to do our very best to land it.”
“As loyal New Yorkers, we hope so, of course,” said Tompkinson, “though I confess that I’ve sometimes wondered whether it’s for the best interest of the game that they should win so frequently.”
Joe pricked up his ears at this.
CHAPTER X
QUICK PUNISHMENT
“I don’t quite get you,” said Joe coldly. “Just what do you mean by that?”