“Tell Sis that Jim Barclay, my chum, has seen her picture and is crazy to meet her. He’s a Princeton man, a splendid fellow, and I wouldn’t mind a bit having him for a brother-in-law.”
“The idea!” exclaimed Clara, tossing her pretty head and blushing like a rose, but looking not a bit displeased, nevertheless.
“Now don’t lose a minute, Momsey, for the time is short and the Series begins next week. You’ll have to do some tall hustling. Wire me what train you’ll take, and I’ll be there with bells on to meet you and take you to the hotel.
“Am feeling fine. Best love to Dad and Sis and lots for yourself from
There was silence in the room for a moment after Clara finished reading. They looked at each other with hearts beating fast and eyes shining.
“New York, Boston, the World Series!” Clara gasped in delight. “Pinch me, Dad, to see if I’m dreaming! Oh, Momsey!” she exclaimed as she danced around the room, “Joe put it just right. It’s going to be a ‘_ga-lorious spree_!’”
In New York, the preparation for the World Series was rapidly taking form. Little else was thought or spoken of. Pictures of the teams and players usurped the front pages of the newspapers, crowding all other news into the background. For the time being the ballplayer was king.
It was generally agreed by the experts that the contest would be close. Neither side could look for a walkover. The fight would be for blood from the very start.
On paper the teams seemed pretty evenly matched. If the Red Sox were a little quicker in fielding, the Giants seemed to have “the edge” on their opponents in batting. It was felt that the final decision would be made in the pitcher’s box.
And here the “dope” favored the Red Sox. This was due chiefly to the accident that had befallen Hughson. Had that splendid veteran been in his usual shape, it was conceded that New York ought to win and win handsomely. For Boston could not show a pair to equal Hughson and Matson, although the general excellence of their staff was very high.
But with Hughson out of the Series, it looked as though Joe’s shoulders would have to bear the major part of the pitching burden; and though those shoulders were sturdy, no one man could carry so heavy a load as that would be.