“That’s a good excuse for a weak heart,” he said. “Here’s your manager. I understand he made a heavy bet early in the season—something like five hundred dollars. He won, too. Perhaps he wants to peddle a little of that coin.” Garrett shook his head. “There are reasons why I can’t bet,” he said, thinking of his promise to his mother. Again the Rockford man laughed. “Your judgment is better than your nerve,” he declared. “Evidently you’re going to hang onto that five hundred.” Ray flushed. “I think you’ll find plenty of men ready to accommodate you to-morrow,” he said. “There will be an excursion from Fairhaven, and we expect a crowd.” “Tell your people to bring all the money they are anxious to lose.” A few moments later Garrett and Dick were alone in the room assigned to them. Ray made some figures on a piece of paper and sat frowning over them. Finally his face cleared a little, and he began to laugh. “What is it?” questioned Dick. “I was just thinking of what might happen to-morrow. Fairhaven plays Rockford, while Maplewood goes against Seaslope. What if both Fairhaven and Maplewood win? Have you thought about that?” “Haven’t given it much thought yet,” said Dick. “Let me see, both Fairhaven and Maplewood are one game behind at present. If they win to-morrow—why, every team in this league will be tied!” “That’s exactly what will happen,” nodded Ray. “Wouldn’t that be remarkable? If the two tail-end teams win to-morrow every team in this league will have won twenty games and lost twenty games. With the season so far advanced, I don’t believe such a thing ever happened before in any league. Jingoes, wouldn’t it kick up some excitement!” “It would be the best thing that could happen for the league,” said Dick. “But let’s do a little more figuring. If we defeat Rockford and Seaslope wins from Maplewood, Seaslope will take first position, while we will be tied with Rockford for second.” “That’s correct,” said Garrett. “But if we lose and Maplewood wins, we go clean to the bottom. To-day we had a chance to be tied for first place and lost it. Another defeat may put us into last place. Dick, I confess I’m worried about that game to-morrow. Win it if you can.” “I promise you that every man on the team will do his level best,” said Dick. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ CHAPTER II TOM FERNALD’S PROPOSITION.