“Yes, do go,” urged Miss Tyler. “I—I hope you beat them.”
“It’s too late for that now,” replied Tom sadly as he walked down from the stand.
A little later he was in the box, facing Roger Barns, one of the best hitters on the Fairview team. Tom was nervous, there is no denying that, but he held himself well in control. It was the goal of his ambition—to pitch on the ’varsity, and he was now realizing it. True, it was almost an empty honor, but he resolved to do his best, and this thought steeled his nerves, even though the crowd hooted at him.
And he struck out the first three men up, at which his college chums went wild, for it was all they had to rejoice over in the game.
[CHAPTER XXVI]
THE FRESHMAN DINNER
They wanted Tom to ride back to the college with the team and the substitutes, but he would not leave Miss Tyler, and, though he was torn between two desires, he went back to the girl.
Moreover, he had an idea that it would not be altogether pleasant riding in the same stage with Langridge, who, he had heard whispered, made strenuous objection when Coach Lighton ordered him to give place to Tom.