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 Does he think he can get on the squad, Nod?"

"Guess he'd like to."

"He's got a swell chance," said Elk.

"Oh, I don't know," answered Laurie. "They took you on."

"Is that so? Don't get fresh, youngster. I suppose you think you've got such a pull with Pinky that he'll take on any fellow you recommend. Say, Nate, can't you just see Proudtree running bases?" And Elk laughed vociferously.

Laurie, just at present inclined to resent anything that Elk said, merely on general principles, found cause for added resentment now. Kewpie was both friend and pupil, and consequently disparagement of Kewpie was disparagement of him. Simpkins's remark that Kewpie had shown pretty good speed on the football field was cut into by Laurie with:

"He isn't out to become a sprinter, Elk. He's going to be a pitcher. You don't expect a pitcher to be much of a hand on the bases. As for his chance of getting on the squad, well, when I get through with him I guess he can have a place if he wants it."

"When you—Oh, my sainted aunt!" cried