Such a summons naturally came as a big surprise to all of them, but they obeyed the call without hesitation and were all gathered at a northern entrance to Central Park when the manager arrived with Joe, Jim, Robson, Hughson, and their ten volunteers. Fortunately, they had all evaded reporters so far, and to the best of their knowledge no hint of their enterprise had leaked out.
“Shure, an’ phwat’s the big idea, boss?” inquired Larry. “Is ut a ball game by moonlight you’re plannin’?”
“No, nothing like that,” said McRae. “This is more serious,” and he was starting to explain the situation when the team caught sight of Jim. Every man tried to shake hands with him and question him at once, and it was a wonder that some policeman was not attracted by the noise.
“I’ll tell you all about it, boys, some time when we’re not so rushed,” laughed Jim. “I’m here, and ready for anything, even if my hands are a little sore. But never mind me now, just listen to what the boss is trying to tell us.”
They quieted down at this, and McRae told them briefly how matters stood and what he wanted them to do.
“But there’s nothing compulsory about this, you know,” he finished. “Any man that doesn’t feel like going is at liberty to say so, and it won’t make any difference with me.”
He looked inquiringly at the team, but there was not one who did not seem eager to undertake the adventure. McRae then proceeded to outline their plan of campaign.
“We’ll drift into Davendorp’s place in twos and threes,” he said. “After we get there we’ll have to make our plans as we go along. But everybody keep his eyes and ears open, and I’ll pass the word around when it comes time for action. If any of you are recognized, as you’re practically certain to be, just say you dropped in to shoot a little pool, or some excuse that will sound plausible.
“And one more thing. Before we start, I want every man here to pledge absolute secrecy about this business. We’re doing this to avoid a black mark against organized baseball, but if just one of us gets to whispering about it, all our trouble will be wasted.”
All promised silence, and then they broke up into small groups and headed for Davendorp’s Sporting Parlors.