[CHAPTER XXI]
A DANGER SIGNAL
“Boys, we’re on the right road again!” exclaimed the enthusiastic manager at the conclusion of the game, when the team was in the dressing room. “Another like this to-morrow, and one the next day, if it doesn’t rain, and we’ll be near the top.”
“Say, you don’t want much,” remarked Jimmie Mack, half sarcastically, but with a laugh. “What do you think we are anyhow; wonders?”
“We’ll have to be if we’re going to bring home the pennant,” retorted Gregory.
“And we’re going to do it!” declared Joe, grimly.
Collin went to pieces in more ways than one that day. Probably his failure in the game, added to Joe’s triumph, made him reckless, for he went back to his old habit of gambling, staying up nearly all night, and was in no condition to report for the second game of the series.
“He makes me tired!” declared Gregory. “I’d write his release in a minute,” he went on, speaking to Jimmie Mack, “only I’m up to my neck in expenses now, and I can’t afford to buy another pitcher. I need all I’ve got, and Collin is good when he wants to be.”
“Yes, it’s only his pig-headedness about Joe that sets him off. But I think we’ve got a great find in Matson.”
“So do I. There was a time when I was rather blue about Joe, but he seems to have come back wonderfully.”