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 to his lips. He was mightily disturbed, and, as usual when overwrought, he perspired freely.

"But he says he never done nothin' of the sort, and he wouldn't lie."

"Wouldn't he?" said Bent, with a faint sneer. "Why not?"

"Because he's an honest young feller—honest and square as a brick."

"How do you know that? Let me tell you, Cope, that a college man who will play summer ball for money, under a fictitious name, is not honest; and such a fellow wouldn't choke a little bit over a lie."

"Y'u're wrong 'bout this chap—dead wrong; he's on the level."

"He may be," admitted King, preparing to depart; "but I have my doubts. I wouldn't trust him out of sight. Why, such a man might double cross you any time. He can be bought and sold. It may be a very good thing for the team to dispense with his services."

Having said this, he left the office and the store, heedless of some parting words from Cope, who was far more agitated than he had been before the interview.

There was triumph in Benton King's heart, for the last shadow of uncertainty regarding the