“Look here,” chipped in Raybold, a trifle warmly, “I believe you’re troubled with cold feet. That’s what’s the matter! You’re so pleased over this victory that you want to boast about it.” This angered Lawrence, who declared that it was nothing to boast about and made a great deal of talk to that effect. When he had finished, Raybold said: “I’ll wager a hundred dollars even with any man that you can’t defeat Merriwell’s team in another game.” Seymour Whittaker pricked up his ears. “What’s that?” he asked. “Your money would feel good in my pocket.” “Do you take my bet?” Lawrence turned quickly to Whittaker. “No use to bet,” he said. “We can’t give them another game. They’ll have to swallow their defeat and make the best of it.” “The best of it, or the worst of it,” laughed Wolfers. “Too bad they feel so sore. They were outclassed, that’s all.” “I’m sorry I can’t win that hundred off you, sir,” said Whittaker to Raybold. “It would be easy money for me.” Lawrence then inquired if Sprowl was in his room at the hotel, and, being told at the desk that he was, he proceeded upstairs, followed by Wolfers and Whittaker. “It’s unfortunate that these fellows will give you no chance to get even, Mr. Merriwell,” said Raybold. “They must be afraid of you.” “I hardly think that,” said Merry. “The game to-day could not have frightened them, although it was close until the finish of the ninth inning. They have perfect confidence in themselves. As you are a stranger, it was a surprise to me when you offered to back us in that manner.” “Oh, we’ve never met, but I’ve seen you pitch. I was out West a short time ago. Have you the same team you had in California and Colorado?” “Just the same, except that we’re one substitute short. Stretcher has gone home.” “How did you happen to lose to-day? Was it bad fielding behind you?” “No, sir. In the ninth I failed to make a hit, with two men on the bags. On the other hand, when their turn came, they did get the hit needed, likewise having two men on the sacks. That’s about how it happened.” In this manner Frank shouldered the burden. He made no reference to his lame ankle, nor did he explain that he had entered the box after Morgan’s arm gave out. “That was hard luck!” exclaimed Raybold. “Could you beat them to-morrow?” “No man can predict what will happen in baseball. Look at the poor showing the Boston Americans made at the opening of the season, just when every one expected great things of them. There are no sure things in baseball that is worth being called baseball.” “Of course we all realize that. Evidently you are not satisfied to leave Elkton without another try at the team here.” “Hardly satisfied. Quite the contrary.” “Well, can’t you drive them into giving you a game?” “I don’t know how. You’ve just heard their manager refuse.” “Yes, but men frequently change their minds. Keep at him. Give me permission to see what I can do. Will you?” “Well——”