Page:Lefty o' the Bush.djvu/28

 *sure. I've been watching their new pitcher warm up. He's a southpaw."

"And a green one from the scrub pastures somewhere. The boys will send him to the stable in about three innin's."

"Perhaps. But I walked over in range while he was limbering his flinger, and he's got a few good benders, not to mention some speed. You don't want to forget that we've got five left-hand batters, and a southpaw that can really pitch may bother 'em some. I reckon that's just why they've raked in this feller Locke."

"Don't you b'lieve it. Just spoke to Hutch about him, and Hutch don't know no more'n you or me. Old Cope signed Locke and the most of the team, and he'd never figger on a lefty worryin' us because we've got so many left-hand hitters."

"That," persisted Dyke, "don't alter the conditions any. This Locke stopped Fryeburg after they blanketed Deever, and Kingsbridge wants this game to-day—bad. I've heard some of the Bridgers talkin', and they're plenty confident, thinking they've got a wiz in this southpaw kid.

"To-morrow's Sunday, and Hoover can rest," he added. "He's hard as nails, and you won't