[CHAPTER XIII]
A GALLANT EFFORT
It is needless to paint the exasperation on the faces of McRae and Robson and the rest of the Giant team, as they saw victory taken from them just as they were tightening their grip upon it.
“Talk about luck,” growled McRae. “Those fellows have got hogsheads of it.”
“Why couldn’t that rain have held off for ten minutes more?” groaned the rotund Robson.
“It may let up even yet enough to let the game go on,” remarked Larry, though without much conviction.
“Such a chance,” grunted Willis. “Why, you could take a swim at second base already.”
There was, indeed, little hope of resuming the game, although in accordance with the rules, if the rain ceased in half an hour and the grounds were in condition for play, the umpires could call the teams back to the field. But the rain was blinding, and to wait around any longer was only a matter of form.
Joe and Jim had worked their way through the crowds to the box in which their party sat. In the neat, gray, traveling uniforms that set their athletic figures off to perfection, the girls thought they looked handsomer than ever.
All gave them a hearty welcome and gladly made room for them. It was, of course, only by a coincidence that Joe found himself next to Mabel while Jim sat close to Clara.
“I’m so glad your side won, Joe,” said motherly Mrs. Matson, beaming lovingly on her son and heir.