Evidently there was some hitch about beginning the game. The Vinalhavens had taken the field for practice. The Camden team, bunched close together, were talking earnestly, meanwhile casting anxious glances toward the street that led to the water.
The Vinalhaven scorer passed before the stand with his book.
"Camden catcher and third-baseman haven't shown up. They started out with a party in a power-boat before the steamer. Engine must have broken down. Here it is time to call the game, and the visiting team two men short! And the biggest crowd of the season here! Can you beat that for luck?"
The Camden pitcher separated himself from his companions and strolled toward the stand.
"Anybody here want to put on a mitt and stop a few fast ones?" he inquired.
"That means you, Jim!" said Lane. "Come on! Don't be too modest!"
Spurling climbed out over the front of the stand.
"I'll try to hold you for a little while," he volunteered.
Soon he was smoothly receiving the pitcher's curves and lobbing them back. The combination went like clockwork. In the mean time the rest of the Camden team had taken the field and were warming up. The missing members had not yet appeared.
"That'll do for a while," said the pitcher.
"What team have you been catching on?" asked the Camden man, suddenly.
"I knew you must have traveled with a pretty speedy bunch. My name's Beverage."
"Say, old man, I want you to do us a big favor. Catch this game for Camden, will you?"
"I've been out of practice for over a month," objected Jim.
"Never mind about that! I don't mean to flatter you, but we've got nothing in this league that can touch you. Come, now! As a personal favor to me!"
"Good for you! Now we've got to pick up a third-baseman!"
"Our Academy shortstop is here," he said, slowly. "He can play a mighty good third at a pinch."
"If he's willing, we'll take him on your say-so, and snap at the chance."
"You're signed for third for this game, Budge! I'm going to catch."
"We've got a couple of spare suits," said Beverage. "Come on over to the hotel and change."
In fifteen minutes Lane and Spurling were back on the field in Camden uniforms and the game had begun.
The contest was a hot one. The teams were evenly matched, and the result hung in doubt up to the last inning. The crowd boiled with enthusiasm and the supporters of each team cheered themselves hoarse.