As they marched into town they were observed with curiosity by the people of the place. A mob of youngsters quickly gathered and followed them along the street. At the Mansion House they found Mat Madison and several of his companions of the previous day standing on the steps. Apparently they had been waiting for Frank and his team to appear. Madison leered at Merry. “Say,” he cried, “you won’t prance with your head so high in the air after our team gits through with you to-morrow. We’ll take some of the starch outer you.” “Great blizzards!” exclaimed Badger. “Does that play on Cameron’s team?” “You bet,” answered the bruiser. “Cameron signed me for my hittin’. There ain’t no pitcher in the business that I can’t hit.” “That should make you tremble, Frank,” laughed Morgan. None of the young thugs offered to molest Merry or his party as they entered the hotel. Cameron was waiting for them in the office. “Here you are, I see!” he cried. “I was afraid you might back out, after all, and try to skip out of town.” “Your fears were quite groundless,” said Merriwell. “Well, everything is fixed for you here. I told you I’d arrange it. You’re to have the very best the house affords, and I’ll settle the bills. I can afford to, considering the trimming we’re going to hand out to you to-morrow.” “You seem inclined to count your chickens before they are hatched,” said Frank. “Do you have an idea that you’ll win?” “Of course.” “Want to make a little wager?” “No.” “Why not?” “I never bet.” “A poor excuse is better than none. Of course, that means you dare not bet.” “It means just what I said—I never bet.” “Oh, well, if any of your bunch feels like sporting a little I’ll be open for business up to the time the umpire calls ‘Play!’ It adds interest to any event to make a little wager on it. I’m not in baseball for my health. We’re going to pay you the biggest part of the gate money, and so I’ll have to catch some money somehow. Considering your record, there ought to be some sports with nerve enough to take a chance on you.” Cameron’s manner was offensive, although it was not likely he meant it to be. The accommodations at the Mansion House were none too good, and the place seemed poor enough after the plain comforts of the private house they had just left. Nevertheless, they were inclined to make the best of everything, kicking being in disfavor among them.