“You made a nice mess in muffing that short throw from Hodge in the seventh!” snarled Rattleton, glaring at Badger. “That let in a run. Why don’t you do your neeping slights—I mean your sleeping nights?” “Oh, you haven’t anything to say!” fiercely retorted the Kansan. “You muffed the ball when I picked up Tinker’s grounder and snapped it to you.” “How did I know you was going to snap it underhand that way? You had plenty of time.” With the exception of Merry, the whole team seemed growling and snarling all at once. Underneath it all, however, Frank saw the real true spirit that longs for victory. They were not really malicious, but each man was to do his level best and to have every other man do the same. “We lost the game, fellows, and it’s no use to kick,” said Merry. “I think every man did his best. I know I did. It was poor enough. We’ll have to swallow defeat and go out for the next game we play.” “It would be different if we could get another crack at these fellows,” muttered Ready, all his usual flippancy gone. “We’d eat ’em!” roared Badger fiercely. “You’d have quite a job with that man Wolfers on the pitcher’s plate,” said Merry. “He’s the cleverest twirler we’ve encountered this season.” “But he knows he’s good,” rumbled Browning. “That’s what’s the matter with him. He keeps boring it into the opposing players.” “For the purpose of rattling them. That’s a part of his game. A man as clever as he is don’t need to resort to that trick; but Wolfers does it. He learned it in the small leagues and independent teams. He’ll get over it if he gets into fast company.” “We ought to haf peen fast enough vor him,” said Hans. “Didn’t dot pall hit me righdt indo der handts uf Dinker? I hat id lapeled four pases vor. Id peen roppery for der pall der catch him dot vay.” Again Hans seemed on the verge of shedding tears. “Does this end it, Merry?” asked Rattleton. “Can’t we get another game with these fellows?” “Do you want to play them again?” “Do I? Ask me!” “How about the others?” Every man was on his feet, clamoring for another game. “We’ll beat them or die trying!” cried Ready. “Do get another game with them, Frank!” “Do!” echoed all the others. “But make it far enough off so you can pitch yourself,” said Starbright. “Oh, I know I didn’t make good, Dick!” snapped Morgan. “No need to rub it in!” “But you did make good until you pitched your arm off,” said the big, blond chap quickly. “I didn’t mean to cast any stones your way.” “All right,” said Dade. “I know when I’m outclassed, and Wolfers was too good for me. I had to pitch my arm off after he went into the box.” “Cutts was something of a cinch!” snickered Badger. “Why didn’t they keep him in? We’d rolled up fifty runs. That’s whatever!” “Oh, great and mighty chieftain!” cried Ready, his flippant air returning; “we beseech thee to arrange another game with the frisky Elks of Elkton. We wish to wipe out the stain. Give us a chance and see us do a bit of fancy wiping.”