OUR RECEPTION AT BERKELEY Whatever shadow of doubt may have remained in our minds concerning Arnold, was speedily dissipated on our arrival at Berkeley. No one came to meet us at the depot; but when we reached the Wyman Hotel, we found Arnold and Beard awaiting us there. “How are you, Mr. Arnold?” said Ray, greeting him. “I received word that you were unwell.” “I unwell? Who said so?” asked Arnold. “The telegram from Dean brought us that report,” answered Ray. “Oh, I understand now what you mean. I was well enough, but I didn’t feel like pitching the whole game through, so I changed places with Cross and took a rest.” This answer as well as the tone in which he spoke indicated clearly enough that Arnold had been merely saving himself for Monday’s game. “Are all your men here?” asked Beard. “Yes,” answered Ray. “Then we shall look for you at the grounds shortly before two o’clock,” said Beard, as if about to take his leave. “One moment,” said Tony; “the ball grounds are some distance away. Have any arrangements been made for carriages to take us out?” “The hotel has its regular omnibus. If you speak to the clerk at the desk I think you will find it has been held awaiting your orders,” said Beard. He and Arnold then walked coolly away. It had always been the custom at Belmont, as well as at Halford, for the home team to supply the visiting players with carriage accommodation. We had hardly looked for this attention from the Park men, but Beard’s tone of indifference was exasperating nevertheless. Tony could not repress a half audible exclamation of annoyance as he hurried off to make the necessary arrangements. After our lunch we met in one of the hotel parlors and held a short, informal meeting. “Now, boys,” began Ray, “I haven’t much to add to what I’ve said many times before, but I want to repeat one or two things. You know I told you that there was no particular point of weakness in the Park nine of which we could take advantage. They have an all round good team, and we must strain every nerve to win. I firmly believe we can do it, but we must play right up to the mark all the time. We must play for every point as if it were the deciding point of the game; we must meet them, therefore, on their own ground, and not yield an inch. We must push our chances hard, and keep up an aggressive policy ourselves. Their strong point is Arnold. If we can hit his pitching good and hard, and all the time, we will make out all right. I am confident we can, but we must be careful when at the bat, for he is an excellent pitcher, and if any of us display any weakness he will be sure to detect it and take advantage of it. As I told you Saturday, hit hard and low.” While we were still discussing the game, Tony put his head into the room. “Hurry on with your suits,” he said. “The omnibus will be at the door in about fifteen minutes.” We were soon ready to start.