Then a mighty shout went up from the throats of the assembled multitudes, for, although many had slipped out in time to avoid the press of the departing throngs, those who remained were sufficiently numerous and enthusiastic to create a vociferous uproar. In the midst of this, the two captains met in mid-field and shook hands cordially with a few complimentary words from each, as their respective clubs gathered around. Then, the promiscuous cheering in the seats having subsided, the victors gave a rousing cheer, more or less inspired by their own exultant spirits, for their antagonists; and the Catalpas, nothing abashed by their defeat, returned the cheer with great heartiness. "Meet us at Catalpa," said Captain Hiram Porter to the captain of the Calumet club. "Meet us at Catalpa, and we will try hard to retrieve the ill fortune of this day." It had been agreed that the third and concluding game of the championship series should be played at Catalpa, in case the Calumets should win the second game. So, with a few hurried words relating to a friendly meeting of the captains of the two nines, on the morrow, the players dispersed from the field. This was what might have been read on the bulletin boards as they went along their homeward way:-- BASE BALL TO-DAY. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Catalpas 3 0 1 2 0 0 1 0 0 7. Calumets 3 1 0 0 4 0 0 1 0 9. _Runs earned_, Catalpas, 4; Calumets, 2. _Base hits_, Catalpas, 7; Calumets, 7. _Errors_, Catalpas, 5; Calumets, 7. _Umpire_, Mr. Mark B. Redmond. _Time of game, two hours and ten minutes._ CHAPTER XIV. A STRANGE MESSAGE FROM HOME. "Well," cried Neddie Ellis, cheerily, as the nine filed into Captain Hiram Porter's room, which had been used as a rallying-place, as it was the largest assigned to any member of the club, "well, we have one more chance at the Calumets, and there is hope while there's life. Hey, Larry?" Larry did not immediately reply. He was regarding Ben Burton with suspicion. That individual had received a telegram from the hands of a messenger, as he came into the house, which, having read, he tore into very small pieces and threw away with a disturbed expression of countenance. Ben's eyes were now fixed on Hiram, who, on coming into the room, had noticed on the mantel-piece a telegram addressed to himself. Ben Burton's face grew white as his captain, tearing open the envelope, read the despatch with astonishment and wrath depicted on his usually pleasant visage. "Read her out, Captain," cried "The Lily." "Read her out and let us divide the bad news with you. I'm sure it's bad news, isn't it, Neddie?" Without stopping to consider whether it were discreet or not to divulge the message that was causing him so much perturbation, Hiram, casting a sharp glance at Ben Burton, said, "It is bad news, boys, for it accuses one of our number of treachery. It is from Tom Selby, and it reads thus:--