That game was a triumph for the Giants, but it was even a greater one for Jim. Perhaps the fact that two bright eyes were watching his work from the grandstand spurred Jim on to greater effort. At any rate it was certain that he had never done more brilliant work.
Joe, who was resting from his triumphs of the day before, spent most of his time with the two girls and Reggie. Although ordinarily he would have been wild to take his place on the diamond, to-day, with McRae’s consent, he was content just to sit beside Mabel and watch her interest and enthusiasm in the game.
It was good to have his pretty sister with him too, even though he knew her interest for the time being was entirely with Jim. And it was good to have old Reggie with the troublesome monocle and the hat which the burly old gentleman had inadvertently used as a seat!
Suddenly Clara, who, with the rest of the crowd had been wildly cheering Jim, straightened in her seat, her eyes widening as they rested upon one of the Giant team.
She turned and laid a hand on Joe’s arm.
“Joe,” she said excitedly, “who is that man out there? That man on third base?”
“That’s McCarney,” replied Joe, wondering at her excitement. “Want an introduction?” he added jokingly. “I could get you one in a jiffy, but I wouldn’t because he’s no good.”
“Goodness, no!” said Clara, with a motion of the shoulders that was almost like a shudder. “I know him already.”
“Know him?” repeated Joe, bewildered. “What’s the great idea?”
“Well,” Clara corrected, “I don’t really mean that I know him. But I’ve seen him at pretty close range.”