We expected to arrive there about eleven o’clock, for Halford was not many miles beyond Berkeley. Ray took advantage of this opportunity to say a few final words of caution. During the week he had frequently mentioned several points of weakness in the Halford nine, and given us directions as to the best manner of taking advantage of them. One point in particular he had brought out strong, and this he reiterated now. “Remember,” he said, “the Halford men chiefly lack nerve at critical junctures. They are apt to go to pieces if pushed hard. They will play a strong game while they are in the lead, and while they can keep the bases clear; but heavy batting will demoralize them, and I think we can easily manage their pitcher. We must try to fill the bases. We must hit the ball _every time_. Don’t try to make home runs all the time, but _hit the ball_, and run bases daringly. Take every possible chance. We may lose one or two points by so doing, but we will gain in the end, for it will demoralize them, I know.” When we arrived at Halford we found Slade and Bennett, the secretary and captain of their nine, awaiting us. The feeling between Halford and Belmont Colleges had always been extremely friendly, and kept up by succeeding generations with as much respect for the tradition as had our bitter animosity for Park College. Our reception, therefore, was of the pleasantest nature possible. “Very sorry to hear of your hard luck over at Dean,” said Slade, as he shook hands with Ray and me. “Yes, it was too bad,” answered Ray, “but you have had your share of misfortune too――last Wednesday, I mean. I think you should have had that game.” “Well, so do we,” said Bennett, “but what could we expect, playing as we did on their ground? We had to play the nine and the whole crowd too. I fear you will get your dose of it on Monday.” “I suppose so,” answered Ray. Halford had received a donation from a wealthy graduate of money enough to lay out new grounds and construct a new and large grand stand. As we entered the gate in our carriages after dinner, the sight that met our eyes was enough to gladden the heart of any baseball enthusiast. The new diamond was as level as a billiard table, and covered with fresh, green, closely cropped grass, while the grand stand was gaily decorated with flags, and filled with a chattering and laughing crowd of people. “Great Scott,” exclaimed Percy Randall, “just look at that outfield, boys! There isn’t a blade of grass on it, and it is as smooth and hard as a board. If we knock a hard ball outside of the diamond it will roll into the middle of next week.” “That’s just what we want to do, fellows,” answered Ray promptly. “Hit low and hard, and the ball won’t stop this side of the fence. Remember now for the last time, fellows: don’t hit up in the air――hit hard and low, and run your bases like tigers.”