The two young men made good time to the station, which they reached five minutes before the train from the north rolled in.
“Goodby, old top,” said Reggie, as he shook his hand in parting. “I’m no end glad that I’ve had these few hours with you, don’t you know. You’ve made a new man of me. I feel as though I’d taken a tonic, by Jove.”
“I’ll send you a bill,” laughed Joe, as he returned Reggie’s grip. “Be good to yourself, old man, until I see you again. And don’t forget that you promised to tell Mabel.”
“I’m game,” replied Reggie, as he stepped back into his car.
Joe passed through the station and out on the platform. It was a long train, composed mostly of Pullmans. Joe knew that the New York Club had two special cars chartered especially for their party, and he wondered which they were. He called to a porter.
“Which cars are the Giants traveling on?” he asked.
Into the eyes of the porter came a deep respect. He was a “fan” himself and he sized Joe up at once as a professional.
“Right over here, sah. This way, sah.” And with a deep bow he seized Joe’s bag and led the way to the first of the two cars located near the center of the train.
Joe sprang up the steps and passed into the corridor of the car. A few steps further and he was in the car proper and surrounded by members of the Giant team.