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 they've tried to corner me, I've dodged or refused to answer. It's too bad, boy; I'm mighty sorry it's all goin' to come out who ye be, but 'twarn't my fault. I've kep' my part of our agreement."

"I haven't any doubt of that. It's simply the result of unfortunate circumstances and the determination of somebody to do me a bad turn. Mr. Cope, I'm not a trouble breeder, but, as you have used me square and I am genuinely interested in the team, I'm going to give you a tip to keep an eye on your manager. Nor does this come wholly, or even mainly, from the fact that I do not like him personally; I have reasons to believe that he is not on the level."

"Hum!" grunted the grocer; "we hired him on good recommendation, but I don't mind tellin' you privately that I've got a feelin' myself that he ain't to be trusted too fur. He's fer puttin' you on the bench until arter this fuss over you is settled, an' that don't sound good t' me. I want you to pitch agin' Bancroft ag'in to-morrer."

"And I want to pitch against them," said Tom warmly; "but you'll find that Hutchinson will object."

"As long as you insist that they can't count out the games that you win, I'm goin' to set on the bench myself an' see that you pitch to-morrer."