Mabel was to accompany Joe back to New York and remain there for about two weeks before she returned for a while to Goldsboro. Joe looked forward to these as golden days, and the outlook went far to console him for his chagrin at the Giants’ poor showing.
His leg and foot were mending rapidly, and he hoped to be in form again almost as soon as he reached New York and to be able to go in and take his regular turn in the box. And if ever the Giants needed his pitching and batting strength, it was now!
He and Mabel had just returned from the dining car to the Pullman that first evening on the train that was bearing them East, when McRae and Robbie came along.
They knew Mabel well, because, on the trip of the Giants around the world, she had gone along with Mrs. McRae and other married women as chaperons.
“Blooming as a rose,” said Robbie, gallantly. “When it comes to picking, we have to hand it to Joe.”
“Still as full of blarney as ever,” laughed Mabel. “I suppose you say that to every girl you meet.”
“Not at all, not-at-all!” disclaimed Robbie, his round face beaming.
“King of Northern pitchers and queen of Southern women,” put in McRae. “It’s a winning combination.”
“I’ll admit the part about the women,” agreed Joe.
“And I’ll admit the part about the pitchers,” said Mabel, her smile enhanced by a bewitching dimple.
“Then we’re all happy,” laughed McRae. “But now I’m going to ask the queen to let the king come along with Robbie and me into the smoking car for a while. I’ve got a little business to talk over.”
“Hold on to me, Mabel,” cried Joe, in mock alarm. “Mac wants to fire me, but he won’t do it as long as I’m with you.”
“I’m not very much worried,” responded Mabel, merrily. “For that matter, I shouldn’t wonder if you were honing to get rid of me. Go along now, and I’ll console myself with a magazine until you get back.”
The three men went into the smoking car and settled themselves comfortably. Then when the two older men had lighted cigars, McRae hurled a question.
“Joe, how would you like to be captain of the Giants?” he asked.
Joe was completely taken aback for a moment.
“Great Scott! You sure do hit a fellow right between the eyes, Mac,” he responded. “Just what do you mean? You’ve got a captain now, haven’t you?”