Tony consented, and we rose to go. As I lingered at the door after Tony had taken his departure, Ray suddenly said, “By the way, Harry, what are you going to do this Easter vacation?” “Nothing in particular,” I answered. “Well, I have a brilliant scheme to propose then,” he continued. “You know I never did like the effect the Easter vacations have on the nine. It demoralizes them and I want to lessen the evil as much as possible this year. Now here you are, Dick Palmer, and myself: pitcher, catcher, and a second baseman, who, if you take hold of my idea, can keep in splendid trim.” “Well, and what is your idea?” I asked with interest. “Suppose both of you come down home with me for the vacation. It is a pleasant country place, and we will do nothing but exercise and practice, so that by the time we return, we will be in fine shape. I’ll promise you lots of fun in the bargain, so you’d better accept. What do you say?” “I’d like nothing better,” I answered, “and I’ll write home about it at once. Summer vacation is so near that I think my people can spare me this one week. Have you asked Dick Palmer?” “No, for I just thought of the scheme this moment. I will speak to him, however, without delay, for it will be a rare chance to get in good practice, and I don’t think we ought to miss it. We’ll have a fine time.” “No doubt of it, and for my part, I need no urging, for I should be delighted to go. I will let you know about it in a day or so,” I said, as we parted company for the night. CHAPTER VIII CHOOSING THE NINE Early on the Monday morning following, I went over to Burke Hall to see if the bulletin had been posted on the great board fastened against the wall of the main hallway. I found not only our bulletin, but a large crowd of students assembled in front of it, and from their comments I soon became convinced that both our notice and our selection of men for the competition were satisfactory. The college was always generous and sympathetic in its support of the nine, and followed its progress with interest and encouragement. At noon a large number of the students accompanied the competitors down to the baseball field, which was situated about a quarter of a mile from the college, eager to witness the first day’s practice, and to speculate on the merits of the respective men. The club house had been opened a week or so before, and had been thoroughly renovated and cleaned, preparatory to the beginning of the season. The two assistants who kept things in order about the place, looked after the bats and other articles, and rubbed us down after exercise, had also been re-engaged. This latter expense had cost Tony a good deal of uneasiness.