“You know he has not been in the best condition lately. Oh, Hal, why didn’t you stick to baseball? You might be in the game, and you were a good pitcher.” “If I had stuck to it I’d not pitch this game,” he declared. Believing Hal constantly loyal to Fardale, these words from him continued to puzzle Doris. “Why, I am sure you would do anything to win for your own team.” “Under certain conditions I would. But I, like others, have grown weary of doing things for which another person gets all the credit.” “I wish you would explain!” she exclaimed, her annoyance increasing. “You’re not a bit like yourself to-day, Hal! I am surprised at you!” “Some time I will explain—perhaps. When I do you will understand. I have heard things that have opened my eyes.” “You can’t believe all you hear, Hal.” “Well, I have seen things, too.” At this moment Merriwell was seen approaching the grand stand. “Wonder what he wants!” muttered Darrell. Dick entered and came up to them, bowing and lifting his cap. “What’s the matter?” asked Zona. “Is it anything serious?” “I don’t think so,” he answered. “I am glad to see you and Doris here at the game. It’s a surprise.” Zona then introduced him to her cousin, and in her tantalizing way Bessie Dale said: “This gives me an opportunity to offer you my sympathy in advance, Mr. Merriwell. Of course, you know our boys are going to win to-day. They haven’t lost a game since getting their new suits.” “Well, it’s about time their streak was broken,” retorted Dick. “I thank you for your sympathy, but hope we will not need it.” “Oh, but you will! You haven’t seen Jack Ware pitch this year! All the fellows say he is a perfect wizard, and I hear your team is not batting very well now.” “You may hear almost anything, Miss Dale. I say, Hal, can’t you give us a lift to-day? We need you.” “Need me!” muttered Darrell in surprise. “Why do you need me?” “Gardner was taken ill on his way here, and is too sick to play. He is out there, but he says he can’t go into the game.” “Well, you have a substitute.” “Yes, but not a man who can fill his place, without shifting the team around, which is a bad thing. I want to keep the boys in their regular positions.” “Well, you know I am not in practice.” “You have practiced some. You have been out a few times with the team.” “All the same, I am not in shape to play, and I don’t care to go into a game and make an exhibition of myself.” “You will not make an exhibition of yourself. You can play at short if you will, and it will fill the gap left by Gardner. I know you want to see us win this game. You will do this—for old Fardale?” “I can’t,” persisted Darrell. In a moment Doris’ hand fell on his arm. “Please do, Hal,” she urged anxiously. He saw a look exchanged between her and Dick, and somehow it made his blood hot. “What if I go out there and lose the game?” he exclaimed. “If you do no one can blame you,” said Doris.