"That's more than I knew myself," Ned answered, panting from his home
run.

"Three cheers for the Darewells!" called the captain of the preparatory
school nine.

The tribute to victory was paid with a will.

"Three cheers for the Lakevilles!" shouted Lem Gordon, pitcher on the
High School team.

The winners fairly outdid their rivals in cheering. Then the diamond was
thronged with girls and boys, all talking at once, and discussing the
various points of the game.

"It was a close chance you took, Ned," remarked a tall, quiet youth,
coming up to the winner of the game.

"I had to, Frank. I didn't risk much in being put out, but it meant a lot
if I could get home, and I took the chance."

"Oh, Ned's always willing to take chances," said Bart Keene.

"Yes, and sometimes it isn't a good thing," replied Frank.

"Oh, you're too particular," came from Fenn Masterson. "What's the use of
doing the safe thing all the while?"

"That's right, Stumpy my boy," commented Ned, "Stumpy" being Fenn's