"We shall have a distinguished audience on hand Saturday," said Steele--"your friend, Captain Bunderley, and 'Uncle' Steve, of Goose Hill fame, will join the president and Professor Ivins on the anxious bench." "Yes; they'll have the bench, and we the anxious part," grinned Bob. "How about it, Dave?" "I've got so much work to do on the next number of the 'Reflector' that I haven't time to be anxious," said Dave. "Guess Benny Wilkins keeps you busy firing stuff," chuckled Tom, sauntering up in time to hear his remark. "Say, Bob, Victor Collins has bought a bugle. It'll help some to swell the noise of our rooters." "I hope the greatest part of the din will come right after the ninth inning," remarked Steele. None of the boys looked forward more eagerly to Saturday afternoon's contest than Victor Collins. Captain Bunderley, too, was expectant, and made several emphatic observations in the "Retreat," which rather jolted the susceptible feelings of the "Pie-eaters." On the day set for the game the weather turned out to be balmy and springlike. During the past few days the color of the landscape had changed surprisingly. The dull, yellowish grass had given place to areas of cool, refreshing green; trees here and there were beginning to hide their branches under myriads of leaves and blossoms. No wide-awake boy could have been discouraged or gloomy on a day like this. The players romped through their practice like young colts. By the time the Stars appeared a happy, excited crowd thronged the field. Professor Ivins had no desire to see the game, but, being a very amiable man, did not like to refuse President Hopkins' request. "Our presence may help to encourage the boys," said the head of the school. "What a superb day! I have an idea that we shall win this time." "If there was only some way by which those abominable foul tips could be prevented I should feel safer," murmured Professor Ivins. "Ah! Here is Captain Bunderley." "Very glad to see you, gentlemen!" exclaimed the skipper. "Magnificent day, isn't it? Almost makes me feel like playing ball myself." The three men were seated on the bench reserved for them when Mr. Rupert Barry appeared, with a little man trotting at his side. Captain Bunderley was thereupon introduced to the millionaire and "Uncle" Steve. "Very glad to meet you, I'm sure," said Mr. Kimbole, rubbing his hands nervously together. "Grand baseball weather, isn't it?" "Superb!" said Professor Hopkins. "Magnificent," added the captain. "Unexceptionable!" chimed in Professor Ivins. "Now that the status of the weather has been decided," remarked Mr. Barry, dryly, "we can compose ourselves to witness--a--well, I hope, a better game than it was our misfortune to see on the last occasion."