e fighting qualities
of the rejuvenated Chester nine. And we can do it, Fred, we surely can,
if only we pull together in team work, and every fellow stands on his
honor to do his level best. You believe that, don't you, Fred?"

The other looked at Jack, and a slight gleam, as of uncertainty, began
to show itself in his eyes. Then he shut his jaws together, and
hurriedly replied:

"Of course I do, Jack. I'm not the one to show the white feather at such
an early stage of the game. They've never accused _me_ of having
cold feet, no matter how bad things seemed to be breaking for my side.
In fact, I've been a little proud of the reputation I have of being able
to keep everlastingly at it. Stubbornness is my best hold, I've
sometimes thought."

"Glad to know it, Fred, because that's a quality badly needed in
baseball players. There's always hope up to the time the last man is
down. Joe Hooker tells lots of wonderful stories of games he's seen won
with two out in the ninth frame, and the other side half a dozen runs to
the good. You are never beaten until the third man is out in the last
inning. I'm glad to hear you say you mean to fight as never before in
your life to get that game for the home club. Fact is, Fred, old fellow,
I've been a little anxious about you latterly, because I thought you
seemed upset over something or other, and I was afraid it might
interfere with your play."

Fred started plainly, and shot Jack a quick look out of the corner of
his eye, just as though he might be asking himself how much the other
knew, or suspected.

"Well, the fact of the matter is, Jack, I have been feeling
down-spirited over something. It's a family matter, and I hope you'll
excuse me for not going into particulars just now. Day and night I seem
to be wrestling with a problem that's mighty hard to solve; but there's
a little ray of sunlight beginning to crop up, I don't mind telling you,
and perhaps I'll find a way yet to weather the storm. I'm trying to feel
cheerful about it; and you can depend on me taking care of third sack
tomorrow the best I know how."

"That's all I can ask of any man, Fred; do yourself credit. Thousands of
eyes will watch every move that is made, and among them those we care
for most of every one in the whole world. I heard Molly Skinner saying
this afternoon that she wouldn't miss that game for all the candy in the
world. She also said she had a favorite seat over near third, and would
go early s