"Well," laughed Moslof, "to tell the truth, the feeling is just as strong up there. We'd give our boots to down Rockland, and we don't care so much about Thomaston. I played with Rockland last year. They used me well down there, but said I couldn't bat any. That made me mad. This year for the first two weeks of our season I led the league in batting. I am falling off a little, but still I am ahead of the average. They are beginning to change their mind down there about my batting." "Well," said Merry, "we are going to see your game this afternoon. I suppose it will be pretty hot?" "Hot! You bet! I expect Woods and Makune, of the disbanded Portlands, here by noon. We have Williamson, of the Lewistons, but he has been ill and is not in the best form. We're going to do our best to take the lead again to-day. Woods is a dandy little pitcher and a fine fellow." "But if we had you, Merriwell, we'd be all right," said McDornick. "Say, old man, won't you pitch for us this afternoon? Makune will cover second, and we can put Woods anywhere. With you in the box, we can paralyze Rockland." Frank shook his head. "It's no use," he said. "I can't play with you." "I hope the stories that fellow has been telling about you are not true," said Moslof, slowly. "What stories?" "Why, he's been saying that Rockland had secured you sure--that you came down into Maine on purpose to pitch for Rockland. When I told him you had given me your word to pitch for Camden if you pitched at all, he laughed in my face, and said I was easily fooled. He swore that he knew for an absolute fact that you had signed with Rockland." As Frank listened to this, he flushed and then turned pale. There came a dangerous fire into his eyes, and he laughed in a manner that was a danger signal for those who knew him best. "Moslof," he said, "you must know these reports are lies. You must know I can't sign a contract, as that would bar me from college baseball." "I didn't believe it," said the manager of the Camdens; "but there are plenty who did, and the men who are backing the club here are sore on me for letting you get away after helping you out of that scrape in Rockland. If Rockland got you now, I'd jump this town in a hurry." "Don't let that worry you a bit, old man. I said I would pitch for Camden if I pitched at all, and I rather think I am known as a man of my word." Moslof seemed relieved. "Oh, say!" exclaimed McDormick, impulsively, "just pitch this game for us this afternoon! We'll sink the knife deep into Rockland!" "I hate to refuse," said Frank; "but I must. What I want to know is, who this fellow is who has been telling that Rockland had me." "Oh, he is a fly chap who is stopping at the Bay View--a summer boarder." "What does he look like?" "He's a loud dresser--wears plaids, pink shirts, lots of rings, loud neckties, and so forth." "What's he look like in the face? How old is he?"