"Got my eye with me to-day," he cried. "We've all got 'em peeled; everybody has. Sanger'll have his troubles. We'll win like a breeze, fellows." "How very confident you are," said Rackliff, moving slowly forward. "You all seem to think this game is going to be a cinch for Oakdale, but I've got an idea that you'll sing a different tune to-night." "Oh, you have!" cried Chipper, turning on him. "Listen to Solomon, the wise man, fellers." "I have a fancy that Barville is going to win," stated Herbert, not a whit abashed. "In fact, I believe it so much that I'm willing to make a little bet on it." "Bet you a pint of peanuts," gurgled Chub Tuttle. "Don't ruin yourself by such recklessness. I've got some real money." "Dinged if he ain't a sport!" sneered Site Crane. "He wants to bet real money on the game." "How does it happen you have the impression that Barville will beat us, Rackliff?" inquired Roger Eliot mildly. "Well, now, I don't mind answering that," beamed Herbert. "Barville has got a surprise for you. I'm not supposed to mention it, but I can't keep it any longer. They've got a new catcher, a friend of mine, and----" "I suppose you think he can play the whole game," scoffed Phil Springer. "A friend of yours, eh? Well, if he knows as much about baseball as you do, he'll be of great assistance to Barville!" "I'm backing my knowledge with cash, if I can find anybody who has sand enough to bet with me," said Herbert. "I'll bet you a dollar," shouted Phil. "Only a dollar? Dear me! Can't you do any better than that? I've got fifteen long green chromos that I'd like to wager on Barville." For a few moments this seemed to stagger the group that had gathered about him. Fifteen dollars was a lot of money, and it seemed doubtful if any other individual in the crowd, with the possible exception of Eliot, could raise as much--and Eliot would not bet. "Wish I had fifteen dollars," muttered Crane. "I'd go him. It would be jest like findin' money." Two or three of the boys drew aside and whispered together. Springer was one of these, and in a moment he called some others from the gathering near Herbert. There was more whispering and not a little nodding of heads, and then of a sudden Phil turned and walked back toward the city youth. "Rackliff," he said, "if you really mean business, if you've got fifteen dollars you want to bet on Barville, meet me at the post office at noon, and I'll have the money to go you." "Excellent," murmured Herbert, breathing forth a little thin blue smoke. "I'll be there with my money. Don't forget the appointment, Springer." CHAPTER VIII. READY FOR THE GAME.