“Perhaps,” admitted Darrell. “You played better than I gave you credit for.”
“Why don’t you use that first pitcher regularly?” the home captain wanted to know.
“Oh, maybe——” began Darrell, and then he saw Sam standing close beside him, and he did not finish.
“What were you going to say?” demanded Sam roughly.
“Nothing,” answered the manager in some confusion. He was saved a further reply by the approach of a boy who held a note in his hand.
“Is Joe Matson here?” the lad asked.
“Right over there,” said Darrell, pointing to where the young pitcher was talking to Tom Davis.
“I’ve got a letter for him,” the messenger went on.
Joe rapidly tore open the envelope and read the few words the note contained.
“I’ve got to leave here,” he said to Tom.