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 *thin'. I'm backin' him, and I want you to listen to me."

"I had an idea," said Hutchinson icily, "that I was engaged to manage this team."

"You was, but I've got somethin' to say, and I insist that that boy has a good, square show."

"Ball!"

Andy Trollop, following Harney at bat, stood lounging, with the club on his shoulder, and watched the first wide one pass, laughing as Oulds, reaching, growled beneath his breath.

"If you try to stop 'em all, Hunchy," said Andy, with pretended solicitude, "you'll strain yourself, and have a doctor's bill to pay. Better let 'em go to the net."

"You go to blazes!" retorted Oulds; which caused Andy to laugh still more.

Instead of throwing the ball to Locke, the catcher suddenly lined it to first base, causing Harney to lunge back under Hinkey's arm to the sack.

Then Oulds removed his mask, and pretended to fuss with the elastic strap, which gave Stark an opportunity to run up to the pitcher and softly urge him to go slow and force Trollop to swing.

"He thinks you can't get 'em over," whispered the captain, "and mebbe he won't strike at the