“I guess so,” replied Harold without enthusiasm. “Who’s the fellow catching for your team, Lovering?” “Lansing White.” “Gee, that’s a good name for him, White. He’s a regular tow-head, isn’t he?” “Is he? He’s a fine chap, though.” “He don’t catch as well as Billy Houghton. Look at the way Gil Chase stole on him last inning. Say, you keep score dandy, don’t you? Isn’t it hard?” “Not very, when you’re used to it. Would you like to learn how?” “No, I can do it well enough. It’s too much trouble, anyhow. I’d rather play. My brother’s the best player on our team.” “Better than Caspar Billings?” asked Dick idly. “Aw, go on! He can’t play! Why, Loring’s been first baseman on his school team for two years. He could be captain if he wanted to.” “That’s very nice,” said Dick. “Now you’d better scoot along and make room for the fellows. That’s three out. I’ll see you Monday, Harold.” “All right. Don’t come if it’s too much trouble,” replied the boy with a grin. “I shan’t mind.” “That your pupil?” asked Lanny, sinking on to the bench beside Dick. “Looks like a fresh kid.” “He is, rather,” replied Dick dryly. “Will, you’d better play further in. That fellow House has laid three bunts down the base line and made them good twice. You’re up, Jack. Pete on deck. Let’s have a couple of runs this inning, fellows.” CHAPTER VII THE BLUE RUNABOUT But although Jack Tappen drove out a two-bagger over shortstop’s head and Pete Robey got safely to first on an error by the third baseman, the next three players went out in order, Lanny on a foul that was pulled down by third baseman, Fudge on strikes and Tom Haley on a weak effort to second baseman. Encouraged by the valiant cheers of its supporters, the Point went to work in its half of the seventh in a very business-like way. Townsend beat out a bunt in front of base, Morris Brent hit safely into short left field, advancing Townsend, and Gil Chase sent a hot one through the pitcher’s box which Tom couldn’t handle. With the bases full, things looked bad for Clearfield. Tom knocked down House’s drive, however, held Townsend at third, and worked the first out. Then Leary, after spoiling three good ones, fouled out to Lanny, and Clearfield breathed easier. But Pink Northrop, although a tail-ender on the batting list, came through with a hit that brought shrieks of delight from the Point sympathizers and sent two runs across. Billy Houghton trickled a slow bunt toward first and the man on third tried for the plate. But Gordon, running in fast, got the ball to Lanny ahead of the runner and the side was out. “You’re up, Harry,” announced Dick. “There’s a fine opening for a bright young man between third and short. See what you can do.” “I’ll try it, but I’m batting pretty punk,” replied Harry doubtfully. “What’s the matter with a bunt, Dick?” “Nothing doing, Harry. Hit it out. Get to first and try a hit-and-run with Will.”