We made no more runs that inning, the Halford men settling down bravely to steady playing as they found the bases clear again. The game was practically settled, however, for the score was now 6–3 in our favor.
Confidently we took the field for the ninth inning, and played a strong, sure game which resulted in our closing the Halford men out without a run. With evident signs of disappointment the large crowd dispersed, and we found ourselves a jolly set of victors. We gathered together and gave three cheers for the Halford men, which were responded to by a similar compliment from their nine, and then hurried to our carriages. Laughing, shouting, and joking, we scrambled in.
“There!” cried Percy, as he tumbled in a heap over me. “Who says we can’t play ball?”
The driver wheeled his team about and we were off for our hotel.
“And now, boys,” said Ray, his face glowing with excitement and pleasure—“Now for Park College, and the Crimson Banner!”
CHAPTER XXVI
GENEROUS HOSTS
An hour later and a jubilant, noisy crowd of students were seated about one of the large tables in the dining room of the Halford House, all bent upon doing justice to the best dinner that the modest hostelry could supply. The party lacked only one thing to complete its happiness—the presence of Tony Larcom.
“Where is Tony?” I asked.