Randall flushed and sat up. He looked hard at his uncle, but the latter was smiling. Bob sank back, with an uncertain laugh. “I pretty nearly thought you were in earnest, uncle! Of course, I know you’d never think of such a thing, though. No, if I can win that game I’m pretty sure to get the election that will follow it.” The colonel tugged at his goatee once more. He seemed to get all kinds of inspiring thoughts from that patch of gray hair on his chin. Just at present his thoughts were anything but inspiring, however. “I’ve got him placed,” he was reflecting inwardly. “He thinks that Franklin feller is no good. Now, if I can keep Merriwell out and let Bob pitch, I can go ahead and place some bets on Franklin. I hate to see Bob get the spots licked off him, but business is business.” Aloud, however, he expressed himself quite in an opposite fashion. “Well, nephew,” he said pleasantly, “I’d like to see ye get a fair chance. It don’t seem to me like that feller Merriwell gives any one else a show, does he?” “You wouldn’t think so if you were here at Fardale!” “I don’t need to be here to tell that. If you go on the mound Monday afternoon, you’re pretty sure to win, eh?” “Dead certain,” said Randall. “We’ll have a bang-up team, and we’ll hand it to Franklin pretty hot, uncle.” “Glad to hear it, nephew, glad to hear it. I’ll see to it that Merriwell does not do ye out o’ your chance.” “You’ll--what? What do you mean?” “None o’ your business,” and Colonel Carson, with a dry chuckle, pulled out his watch. “I got you placed, Bob. You go right ahead and ’tend to business. I’m a-goin’ to help out one o’ my kin when I get the chance, that’s all.” “But what influence have you with Captain Crockett and Coach Trayne?” Colonel Carson gave Bob a look of commiseration. Was it possible that his own nephew was so green? “Not much, I reckon. But I got some influence with Merriwell. There’s a train out o’ here in twenty minutes, Bob. It’ll get me to Carsonville before midnight. I reckon I’d better take it, to make sure. I got a heap o’ things to see to.” Randall looked at him in astonishment. “But I thought you’d be here for the game, uncle!” “I reckon I will be,” laughed the colonel quietly. “Now, you lay mighty low, Bob. Don’t say nothin’ to any one about seein’ me, or about what I said. But as sure’s you stand here, nephew,” he went on impressively, “you’ll be the one to pitch in that game on Monday, mind my words!” “I’d like to know how you’re going to work it!” said Randall, in some wonder. “If you do, you’re a wizard!” “Well, some folks have called me worse’n that,” said Colonel Carson, with a chuckle, as he reached for his suit case. “You’ll be pitchin’, and I’ll be here, and I’m a-goin’ to lay some whoppin’ good bets, let me tell you!” After Randall had taken his departure, not knowing whether to feel delighted or dejected over his uncle’s promises, Colonel Carson laughed softly.