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 *ing that Hutchinson doesn't like me too much, and there is another individual in town who is doing his prettiest to stir things up. Benton King is the chap I mean. He has sent for a photograph of Paul Hazelton."

"Has he? Well, what d 'ye think o' that? See here, Bent's ruther smashed on the parson's daughter. You ain't been cuttin' in on his preserves, have ye?"

"I scarcely know the girl," answered Locke; but the flush in his cheeks deepened. "Mr. Cope, consider that I've been in this town only a few days."

"I know that, but some o' you baseball fellers are pretty swift with the gals. They generally git their pick in towns like this, for the gals go smashed on 'em right off. Still, Janet Harting ain't just that kind; she's a fine little lady, and she wouldn't pick up with no stranger in a hurry, whether he played baseball or not."

"I'd scarcely fancy her foolish or forward. She appears to be a very nice girl, indeed."

"They don't grow none better, boy. She's all right, though her father'd put an everlastin' end to baseball, if he could have his way. You're dead sure this man Riley ain't got nothin' on ye?"

"I'm practically sure of it. He's bluffing, Mr.