“Certainly it’s right. Let me whisper something to you that I have never mentioned to any one before. Really I don’t care a rap whether Rockford wins the pennant or not, but for the present I must keep my team at the head of the league. I must do it in order to satisfy the people here who have backed the team. If I can keep Rockford at the front up to within a few days of the finish I will be well satisfied. More than that, I will agree with you now to throw two of our last games in return for this one to-morrow.” “Why should you do that?” asked Brad, in a puzzled manner. “I don’t see how that would benefit you.” “I will explain it. I am betting on my own team now, and I risk money for the purpose of making money. If I can keep Rockford ahead till near the finish of the season, there will be plenty of Rockford people ready to back us to win the pennant, and they’ll back us good and heavy. I’ll not let any of them suspect the game I’m playing, but I’ll have some good men ready with my money to bet that Rockford does not win the pennant. I shall bet heavily, too. Then I’ll throw the important games that will cause us to drop into second place. If your team can keep close onto our heels, you will go into first place and get the pennant. It will be a good thing for Fairhaven, as it will create enthusiasm over there and lead the islanders to put a team into the league next year. So you see, my boy, you’re not damaging your own team by entering into this agreement with me about the game to-morrow. The loss of one game now will mean your final advancement.” Brad stood with his feet quite wide apart, and his hands on his hips, watching the crafty rascal all through this speech. “Well, you’re sure a first-class schemer!” exclaimed the Texan. “I’ve heard before that such things happen in professional baseball, but I didn’t suppose there would be a chance for such a deal in a league like this. I opined every team in the league would be out for blood and ready to capture the pennant, if possible.” “That’s the way it used to be in this league,” retorted Fernald; “and it was a disadvantage to the league, for Rockford had a way of always winning the pennant, and the smaller places grew discouraged. If Rockford loses this year by a game or two she’ll be right back in the league next year as fierce as ever. If Fairhaven loses, it’s likely she’ll be discouraged and won’t try it another year. So you see I’m really willing to do a generous thing.” “Yes, a heap generous!” nodded Brad, with a touch of sarcasm he could not repress. “But do you consider it honest sport? Do you think it right to fool the backers of your team in such a manner? Without doubt some of those backers will bet their money that Rockford takes the pennant. Besides putting up their money to support the team, they’ll lose their bets at the end of the season and be mighty sore over it.”