Page:Baseball Joe on the School Nine.djvu/130

118 went to pieces and when the game was over the school team led by only two runs.

"That's too close for comfort," observed Hiram to Luke, as they walked off the diamond. "Frank has got to do better than that."

"Oh, he'll be all right after a little more practice," spoke the captain.

"If he isn't Larry Akers will go in," warned the manager.

"Sure. Well, we've got lots of time before the first Mornlngside game. We'll win that."

"I hope we do," but Hiram's tone was not confident. Somehow he was worried over the way Joe Matson pitched.

As for our hero, he was warmly congratulated by his friends. Tom Davis was particularly enthusiastic.

"We'll have you in the box for the school nine before long," he predicted.

"I don't know," answered Joe rather dubiously. "It's a close combination between Hiram and Luke, and they may get Frank Brown into shape."

"Don't you believe it. He can't pitch as good as you in a thousand years."

"That's right," chimed in Teeter.

"Nothing like having good friends," remarked Joe laughingly.