FARRELTON BASEBALL TEAM JUNIOR BUSINESS MEN’S ASSOCIATION He lost no time in making inquiries of the waiting driver and, on learning that the young business men’s team was to play the Hanniford team at Farrelton Junction grounds, he asked if he might join the imposing caravan. “Guess they’ll have a full load, sonny,” said the driver. “The band’s going and a lot of the merchants.” “Well, my father’s a merchant,” said Hervey. “Anybody from your father’s place playing?” It was suggestive that the rather old-fashioned establishment of conservative Mr. Walton was not represented on this gala occasion. The team was made up of young men who were clerks in the Farrelton stores and the band also was part of this young business men’s organization. They were having a half holiday to beat the Hanniford team. Wistful boys stood gazing at the special bus; some, no doubt, would hike to Farrelton Junction. Hervey alone sought acceptance into this merry adult company. “Don’t I know Mr. Holmes? Don’t I get ice cream in his store?” he demanded. “Do you bet he won’t let me get in? Do you dare me to get in now?” “Come ahead in,” called a burly young fellow in the bus. He was resplendent in a gray baseball suit with F.B.T. on it. “Come on, _I_ dare you to.” In went Hervey and down into a seat and the burly young fellow’s arm was around his shoulder. “Do you take it back?” Hervey demanded. “What?” “The dare; do you take it back?” “Where did you come by that hat?” the ball player asked. “So you want to root for the J.B.M.A. huh? All right, youngster.” You see how it was with Hervey? Other boys, standing enviously outside, could only stare aghast. Then one ventured to try Hervey’s method and failed utterly. And there you are. Soon the bus was crowded with ball players, business men, and the band. Hervey was the only boy. It started off with a deafening Sousa march leaving the stay-at-homes cheering. In the mellow evening of that same day the bus returned bringing a load somewhat less exuberant, for Hanniford beat the Farrelton team eleven to one. That one, however, was a home run. And it is with this home run that we are now concerned. CHAPTER XVII OVER THE TOP