At ten o'clock Fred took a room, returning to his vigil early the next morning. As before, Howard inquired for Sanders, and learned that he had not returned to the hotel the previous night. The day and evening passed without his appearing, and when Friday also went by without a sight of Montgomery's brother-in-law, the boys became uneasy. They had learned of Landon's victory, and each wanted to return to Baxter in time for the deciding game. As Fred was walking nervously up and down the lobby, just before six, he saw the object of his search enter the hotel, go to the desk, and then start toward the elevator. "Why, hello, Mr. Gibbs!" exclaimed the boy from Baxter, suddenly stepping forward. At the name, Gibbs started, and cast a swift glance toward the hotel desk to see if the clerks were looking toward him, finding to his evident relief that they were not. "Why, hello, Fred," he replied, with a poor attempt at a smile, and limply shaking the hand the boy forced upon him, "what are you doing _here_?" "Came down to look for a job," replied Fred. By this time, the man had recovered his composure. "I should think you would have waited till after the game. But it's just like a Markham to desert his friends when they need him," sneered the man. "Don't you mean a _Montgomery_, instead of a Markham?" asked Fred meaningly. But Charlie Gibbs never deigned a reply, and hurriedly entered the elevator. Smiling happily to himself, Fred lingered a few minutes in the hotel, and then went outside, where he was quickly joined by Bronson and the investigators, who congratulated him on his success and instructed him to go to the lawyer's office. But with their object accomplished, both boys began to think about reaching Baxter in time to accompany the team. "There's nothing more to keep us; is there, father?" asked James, after the identification had been reported to Mr. Bronson and Mr. Markham. "Nothing but dinner. Why?" "Because we must get back and relieve Hal's mind." "I'll telegraph him. You boys can go direct to Winthrop in the morning." Fred's father, however, suggested that the long ride would tire them, and it was finally arranged they should go that night to the scene of the game, where, though they would arrive late, they could sleep until noon, if they wished. Accordingly, the boys wired Hal they would be at Winthrop in season to play, and then passed a pleasant evening with their fathers. "Tell your mother to keep up her cheer, Fred," said Mr. Bronson, as he bade the boys good-night at the train. "And tell her I'll be home for the Fourth of July," added his father. Arrived at Winthrop at two in the morning, Fred and Bronson went to a hotel, and were soon sound asleep. CHAPTER XXI BART'S MEANNESS