“I’m afraid it’s all up,” the message read. “I have practically lost my case, and it looks as if I’d have to start all over again. But don’t worry. I’m coming home.”
A silence followed Joe’s reading of the few words aloud. Then indeed it was all over. He could not go to boarding school after all. He looked at his mother. There were tears in her eyes but she bore the shock bravely. Clara was very pale.
“Well, it might be worse!” said Joe philosophically. “There is just a bare chance—but it’s mighty slim.”
And then from outside came the hail of Tom Davis:
“Come on, Joe! Come on! It’s time you started for Rocky Ford. We’re going to wallop the Resolutes!” and with the freedom of an old friend, Joe’s chum burst into the room.
CHAPTER XXX
THE WINNING THROW—CONCLUSION
For a moment Tom stood there a bit embarrassed, for he saw that something unusual had happened.