business, mailed
his check for the entire amount.

Fred, in the privacy of his own room, danced several brief but
exuberant jigs.

"Now, I've got you, Dick Prescott! And I've not only got you,
but if you come in second to me, I'll try to keep in such condition
that I pitch every important game of the whole season!"

But the next morning the Ripley heir received a sad jolt. In
one of his text-books he ran across a piece of cardboard on which
was printed, in coarse characters:

"Tuday, same plas, same time. Bring ten. Or don't, if you dare!"

"That infernal blackmailer, Tip Scammon!" flared Fred indignantly.

In the courage of desperation Fred promptly decided that he would
ignore the Scammon rascal. Nor did Fred change his mind. Besides,
this afternoon he was due at Duxbridge for his first lesson under
the mighty Everett.

So Tip was on hand at the drug store beside the post office, but
no Fred came. Tip scowled and hung about in the neighborhood
until after four o'clock. Then he went away, a black look indeed
on his not handsome face.

Meanwhile, most of the people of Gridley, as elsewhere in the
Christian world, were thinking of "Peace on Earth" and all that
goes with it. The stores were radiant with decorations and the
display of gifts. The candy stores and hot soda places were doing
a rushing business.

Dick, who had been scurrying about in search of a few news paragraphs,
and had found them, encountered Dave Darrin. Being something
of a capitalist in these days, when "The Blade" was paying him
two and a half to three dollars a week, Prescott invited his chum
in to have a hot soda. While they were still in the place Laura
Bentley and Belle Meade entered. The High School boys lifted
their hats courteously to the girls and Dick invited them to have
their soda with Dave and himself.

"We hear that baseball is going to be a matter of great enthusiasm
during the next few months," said Laura, as they sipped their
soda.

"Yes; and the cause of no end of heartburnings and envies," laughed
Prescott. "From just after the holidays to some time in April
every fellow will be busy trying to make the school team, and
will feel aggrieved if he hits only the second team."

"Who's going to pitch for the school nine?" asked Belle.

"Dick Prescott," declared Dave instantly.

"I'd like to," nodded Dick, "but I've several good men against
me. Darrin may take it all away from me. There are eight men
do