None of the fellows was very hopeful of beating Lesterville, for the neighboring mill town had maintained for several years a nine which averaged fully two years older than Clearfield. But, as Dick pointed out, the game would be fine practice, even if they were beaten. “We really need,” said Dick, “to run up against a spanking good nine and see how the game is played.” Some of the fellows hooted at that, but Dick only smiled. “That’s all right,” he replied. “I’ll wager that you’ll learn one or two tricks to-day worth knowing.” “What’s their pitcher like?” inquired Fudge anxiously. “They have two of them, Fudge, and they’re both pretty good.” “They won’t be hard for Fudge,” said Pete Robey. “Fudge will eat ’em alive!” “Bet you I make as many hits as you do,” responded Fudge eagerly. “Come on, now! Wh-wh-what do you say?” But Pete only grinned and shook his head. You couldn’t start an argument with Pete. On the way to Lesterville Dick exhibited a list of games which he had already arranged. Rutter’s Point was to play a return contest on the High School field a week from to-day, Logan was to visit Clearfield the following Wednesday and Corwin was to come a week later. “We have next Wednesday open,” explained Dick, “and a week from Saturday. I don’t believe we’ll be able to find a game for Wednesday, but I’ve written Shirley at Springdale to get up a team to play us that Saturday. I’ve told him we’d go over there.” “Fine!” exclaimed Tom Haley. “I’d love to have another chance at those fellows!” “Well, I suppose it won’t be quite the same team that we played last month,” said Dick. “I dare say some of their fellows have gone away for the summer. But that gives us three games anyhow, and perhaps four. And I heard of a team over at Locust Valley which may like to play us.” “All those games are at home, too,” reflected Lanny. “How about trying that scheme to charge admission, Dick?” “No harm in trying it,” returned the manager thoughtfully. “Whether it will go or not we’ll have to see. We could get a few notices printed and stick them around in the windows down town. And I guess the paper will announce the games if we ask.” “A lot of folks will pay a quarter to see a good game,” said Jack Tappen. “Would you?” challenged Gordon. “Sure,” laughed Jack, “if I had the quarter!” “Not if he could find a crack in the fence,” said Fudge. “Look here,” announced Will Scott, “someone said they were surveying the athletic field, Dick. Suppose they start to work there in a day or two. We couldn’t play those games, could we?” “In that case we’ll play the teams on their own grounds.” “It makes it pretty expensive,” objected Way. “I’m nearly broke now. If I lose my return ticket someone will have to pay my fare back.” “Oh, the walking’s good,” replied Tom carelessly. “Another thing,” said Lanny. “If we play away from home we can’t make any money.”