[CHAPTER XIV]
A DELIGHTFUL SURPRISE
“Well, we wound up the trip in a blaze of glory, anyway,” remarked Jim to Baseball Joe, as they sat in the Pullman coach that was carrying them and the rest of the team back to New York.
“Yes, and we just saved our bacon by doing it,” replied Joe. “Those last four games gave us eight out of fifteen for the trip. Not so awfully bad for a team on a trip, and yet not good enough to win the championship. But even at that I guess McRae won’t supplant us with a team from the old ladies’ home,” he added, with a laugh.
“We’ve got a long series of games on the home grounds now,” put in Larry, the optimist. “We’ll show these other fellows how the game ought to be played. Just watch us climb.”
“Here’s hoping you’re right,” chimed in Burkett. “A slice of the World Series money this year would look mighty good to me.”
“That’s looking pretty far ahead,” said Curry. “Still, if Joe keeps up the batting he’s been showing us in Pittsburgh, I’ll bet we cop the flag.”
“That may be just a flash in the pan,” cautioned Joe. “I may have had just a few good days when everything broke just right for me. I’m a pitcher, not a batter.”