The next contest would take place at Pittston, and thither the two teams journeyed that evening. Before they left Joe spent a pleasant time at the hotel where Reggie and his sister had rooms.
“Are you coming back to Pittston, or stay here for the fourth game?” the young pitcher asked.
“We’re going to see you play—of course!” exclaimed Mabel. “I wouldn’t miss it for anything.”
“Thank you!” laughed Joe, and blushed. “Did you get your auto all right?” he asked Reggie.
“Yes. The man brought her in. Not damaged a bit. Sis and I are going to motor in to-morrow. But I won’t take a chance in giving you a ride again—not so close to the game.”
“I guess not,” agreed Joe, laughing.
“Did you find out anything?” Reggie went on. “About who meddled with your watch?”
“I didn’t ask any questions. It was too unpleasant a thing to have come out. But my first guess was right. And I don’t think that player will stay around here.”
I may say, in passing, that Collin did not. He left town that night and was not seen in that part of the country for some years. He broke his contract, but Gregory did not much care for that, as he was about ready to release him anyhow. Joe told the story to the manager only, and they kept it a secret between them. It was a mystery to Collin’s team-mates why he disappeared so strangely, but few ever heard the real story.