he season moved on briskly now. Dick pitched two games, and
Darrin one in between Prescott's pair. Dick's first game was
won by a score of one to nothing; his second game, the return
date against Gardiner, was a tie. The game in which Darrin pitched
was won by a score of three to two.

Then came a game with a team not much above Brayton's standing.

"Prescott and Darrin must be saved for some of the bigger games,"
decided Coach Luce. "Purcell, don't you think it will be safe
to trust Ripley to pitch against Cedarville High School?"

"Yes," nodded the captain of the nine. "I don't believe Cedarville
could harm us, anyway, if we put left field or shortstop in the
box."

Fred Ripley was notified. At once Cedarville became, in his talk,
one of the most formidable nines on the state's High School circuit.

"But we'll skin 'em, you'll see," promised Fred, through the week.
"Be at the game, and see what I can do when I'm feeling well.
Cedarville has no chance."

Ripley was in high spirits all through the week. All through
that Saturday forenoon he moved about in a trance of exultation.
Yet, underneath it all, he was somewhat seedy in a physical sense,
for he had been out late the night before to meet Tip and hand
over some money.

Late that Saturday forenoon, Lawyer Ripley returned from a business
trip. Soon after he returned home, and had seen a man in his
library, he went in search of his wife.

"Where's Fred?" demanded the lawyer.

"He went out up the street, to get a good walk," replied Mrs.
Ripley. "You know, my dear, he is to pitch for Gridley in one
of the biggest games of the season this afternoon."

"Hm!" said the lawyer. "Well, see here. Let Fred have his luncheon.
Don't say a word until then. As soon as he is over with the
meal, send him to me in the library. Don't give him any hint
until he has finished eating."

"Is---is anything wrong?" asked Mrs. Ripley, turning around quickly.

"Just a few little questions I want to talk over with the boy,"
replied Mr. Ripley.

It was shortly after one o'clock when Fred stepped into the library.
This apartment was really in two rooms, separated by folding
doors. In the front room Mr. Ripley had his desk, and did his
writing. Most of his books were in the rear room. At the time
when Fred entered the folding doors were closed.

"You wished to see me, sir?" Fred asked, as he entered.

"Yes," said his father, pointing to a chair; "take a seat."