Page:Hugh Pendexter--Tiberius Smith.djvu/243

 the bleachers were determined that that hit should be made. Never willingly will I look on two nines crossing bats. And to this day I detest chickens; I never see a gallinaceous biped but what my hand seeks a weapon.

"‘Cheer up, Billy,' he called over his shoulder. 'The leather is almost as good as a league ball. Now learn how to throw an out-curve.'

"Then with fearful contortions he waved his arms, doubled up his fat form, and threw a ball that had all the promise of cutting the skull. My heart rose in my mouth as the old chief smiled, closed his eyes with satisfaction, and swung for all he was worth. And he missed it.

"But so sure were the men that he was going to score that, when he struck, they all took a pot-shot at Tib. Fortunately he had anticipated this and had dropped to the ground. Two lines of reed arrows kissed each other in passing over him. Then he sprang to his feet, and the way he called down Old Cocoa and the bowmen would have done you good, sir, to have heard. And the chief was mad. He hopped a double hornpipe; smashed in the top of the skull, and then began on his men. You see, sir, his pride was hurt and he dressed 'em down beautifully. They were scared as bluebirds and all drew back and rested on their bows. Then Tib cried out to me: 'Now if I can