Not to be outdone, Ralph, too, exerted himself in this inning. One little pop fly that was gathered in by the first baseman was the result of his labor; and the scrub team came in, perspiring freely, but grinning with the chase they had given the regulars. “Columbia High has reason to be proud of possessing two such clever young twirlers as these boys. I’m going to see that game to-morrow, if I have to break an important engagement to do so,” declared the gentlemanly umpire, earnestly, as he walked with several of the players through the town on his way to Buster’s house. Buster was apparently the happiest fellow in town. Every time he looked at the sun-burned gentleman he seemed to be saying: “Maybe you’ll believe me now, fellows--maybe you’ll listen when I quote my favorite authority. This day has seen my complete revenge, and I’m satisfied!” “By the way, do we pass the post-office, George?” asked Coach Willoughby; “for you see I forgot to tell them at the office to address me here in care of your father, and there might be an important letter waiting for me.” “We can stop in and see, sir,” remarked Frank, eagerly; but Buster did not notice that he was more than ordinarily interested. “Then let’s do so, please, for here is the building. Wait for me boys, or will you come in?” and with Buster and Frank at his heels the old Princeton player pushed through the doors. He stepped up to the window where Harvey Brooks waited upon the patrons of the general delivery department. And then Frank heard him say in a matter of fact tone of voice: “Anything here for Mr. Pliny Evans Smith?” “Yes, sir, one letter for you!” came the answer. The gentleman athlete received it, tore the end off and was speedily devouring the contents. Frank looked at Buster, who turned as red as a turkey gobbler, and then gave a hysterical little gurgle. The evidence seemed plain that this wonderful Coach Willoughby had been stamped a fraud of the first water! CHAPTER X ON THE RIVER ROAD “Hello! boys, what’s wrong here?” Coach Willoughby looked first at Buster’s glowing and confused face, and then toward Frank’s smiling countenance. Buster simply pointed to the envelope which had fallen to the floor. As the truth broke upon the mind of the other he laughed heartily. “Out of their own mouths are the wicked conspirators condemned. See what a nice mess you’ve coaxed me into, George! Here I am apparently unmasked before this fine, mettlesome prize pitcher of yours.” He turned to Frank, and assumed a little more serious look as he continued: “My name is Willoughby, only that and nothing more. I am a Princeton graduate, and, as you have seen, I’ve been something of an all-around athlete in my day, too. Recently I have been doing some umpiring in a minor league, and as my wife doesn’t like the idea of seeing my name printed in such a connection I use the one of Pliny Evans Smith. That’s all there is to it boys, I assure you.”