Page:Baseball Joe on the School Nine.djvu/209

Rh The crowd began arriving early at the Excelsior diamond, for word had gone around that it was to be a game for "blood," and both teams were on edge. If Excelsior had improved, so had Morningside. They had strengthened their men by long, hard practice, and they were confident of victory.

Joe and Tom had expected before this to hear something about their old enemy, Sam Morton, at Morningside, but the former pitcher for the Silver Stars was seldom mentioned. However, it was learned that he was to substitute in the Morningside-Excelsior game.

Out on the diamond trotted the renovated Excelsior nine. They were received with a burst of applause, and at once got to practice. A little later out came their rivals, and there was a cheer for them. Immediately the opposition cheering and shouting contingents got busy, and there was a riot of sound.

"Going to stay and see the game?" asked Luke of Hiram, as they entered the gate.

"Yes, might as well. Gee! But I hope our fellows lose!"

Nice sentiments, weren't they for an Excelsior student? But then Hiram was very sore and angry.