Baseball Joe at Yale; or, Pitching for the College Championship — A Reader’s Guide

Joe did not complete his sentence. As he swung around a bend in the road his attention was fully taken by a surprising scene just ahead of him.

A horse, attached to a carriage, was being driven down the road, and, just as Joe came in sight, the animal, for some unaccountable reason, suddenly swerved to the left. One of the wheels caught in a rut, there was a snapping, cracking sound, the wheel was "dished," and the carriage settled down on one side.

"Whoa! Whoa!" yelled Joe, fearing the horse would bolt and that perhaps a woman might be in the carriage, the top of which was up. The lad was about to spring from his own vehicle and rush to the aid of the occupant of the other, when he saw a man leap out.

With one bound the man was at the head of his steed, holding him from running away, but there was no need, for the horse, after a calm look around, seemed to resign himself to his fate.

"Jove!" ejaculated Joe. "That was quick work. That fellow is in training, whoever he is."

Following his original plan, even though he saw no need of going to the rescue, Joe leaped from his seat. His steed, he knew, would stand without hitching. He approached the stranger.

"A bad break," murmured Joe sympathetically.

"Indeed it is, young man," replied the other in quick, tense accents. "And it comes at a particularly bad time, too."

Joe looked at him. The man seemed about thirty-five, and his face, though stern, was pleasant, as though in the company of his friends he could be very jolly. He was of dark complexion, and there was that in the set of his figure, and his poise, as he stood at the head of the horse, that at once proclaimed him an athlete, at least if not one in active training, one who could get into condition quickly.

"A bad break, and at a bad time, too," the man went on. "I never knew it to fail, when I was in a hurry."

"I guess that wheel is past fixing," spoke Joe. "You might get one at the barn here," and he nodded toward a farmhouse not far distant.

"I haven't time to make the try," said the man. "I'm in a great hurry. How far is it from here to Preston?"

"About five miles," replied Joe.

"Hum! I never could make that in time to catch the train for New York, though I might have run it at one time. A little too heavy now," and he seemed referring to himself. "I might ride the horse, I suppose," he went on dubiously.

"He doesn't look much like a saddle animal," ventured Joe.

"No, and there isn't a saddle, either. I must get to New York though--it's important. I don't suppose you are going to Preston; are you?" he asked of Joe quickly, referring to the nearest railroad station.

"Well, I wasn't," replied the youth, "but if you're in a hurry----"

"I am--in a very great hurry. I just had about time to get the New York train, when, most unfortunately, I got into that rut. At the same time the reins got caught, and I must have pulled on the wrong one. I'm not much of a horseman, I'm afraid. The animal turned too quickly, and the wheel collapsed."

"It wasn't very strong, anyhow," remarked Joe, as he looked critically at it. "But if you want to get to Preston I can take you."

"Can you--will you? It would be a very great accommodation. I really can't afford to miss that train. I came out here on some business, and hired this rig in Preston. I thought I would have ample time to get back, and I believe I would. But now, with this accident--I wonder if I could leave this outfit at the farmhouse, and hire another there?" he asked musingly.

"I don't believe Mr. Murchison has a horse now," said Joe, nodding toward the farmhouse. "He has about given up working his place. But you could leave this rig here to be called for, and----"

"Yes--yes!" interrupted the man, quite impatiently. "I beg your pardon," he added quickly. "I'm all upset over this accident, and I really must reach New York to-night."

"I'll drive you in!" offered Joe.

"But it will be out of your way, will it not?"

"That doesn't matter. I'm in no hurry, and going to Preston will not take me many miles off my road. I'll be glad to help you."

"Thank you. Then I'll take advantage of your offer. Shall I----?" he made a move as though to lead the horse up to the farmhouse.