“After getting my new men here a whole lot of them threatened to leave unless their regular captain was retained at their head. I had to agree to that. I have done my best to pacify Arlington by explaining that a man who pitches should not play in any game unless he is on the slab, and, therefore, it’s not policy to keep him as captain of the team when he will play in no more than one-third of the games. I honestly believe the fellow’d rather be captain and not pitch at all. He’s a good player, but has a mighty nasty disposition. Drink up, Tom. Here’s luck for both of us to-morrow.” Fernald had poured a brimming glass of whisky, and he dashed it off at a gulp. “There,” he said, “perhaps that’ll make me feel better. I’ll tell you something that will surprise you, Benton.” “Go ahead! Surprises are coming thick lately.” “I am not manager of the Rockford team now.” Hammerswell was surprised indeed. “What are you giving me?” he cried. “Straight goods.” “You’re not manager now?” “No.” “Why not?” “I resigned to-night.” “Resigned?” “That’s right.” “Well, why in blazes did you resign?” “Step over here,” invited Fernald, drawing the Maplewood man toward the corner where the tramp sat sleeping on his chair. “I’ll tell you about it. Don’t want to let every one hear.” “Go on!” urged Hammerswell. “They are paying no attention to us. This fellow is snoozing off a jag.” Fernald lowered his voice almost to a whisper. Swiftly he explained how he had attempted to clinch the coming game for Rockford by making a bargain with Brad Buckhart. “Without Buckhart at his best,” he said, “I was confident we could beat the islanders easily.” “Sure thing,” nodded Hammerswell. “He’s the only catcher they have, and the only man who can hold Dick Merriwell. Of course, they might get hold of Brodie, the fellow I let go when I engaged my new team; but Brodie can’t handle Merriwell’s combination ball. It would fool him just the same as it fools batters. You were right, Fernald; with Buckhart out of the game, or with him bought up, it would be a simple thing to down Fairhaven. One thing that led me down here to-night was to see you about this business. I wondered if there was no way it could be fixed so Rockford would have the game nailed to-morrow.” “It must be fixed,” nodded Fernald. “Either that or I’ll be compelled to hedge.” “Then you’ve bet on the game already?” “Yes. I didn’t tell this fellow, Buckhart, about it, but I’ve backed Rockford to win. I hate to hedge on this game. I’d almost as leave see Rockford beaten.” “No! no!” exclaimed Hammerswell, “not that! If Fairhaven loses she’ll go to the bottom of the list. I know how you feel. I know you’d like to see Rockford lose her first game under another manager; but you can’t have any friendly sentiment toward Fairhaven and this chap Buckhart, who trapped you.” The Rockford man shook his head.