Page:Nid and Nod (IA nidnod00barb).pdf/146

 CHAPTER X

THE COACH MAKES A PROMISE

"Turner," said Coach Mulford, taking the vacant place on the bench beside Laurie and laying a hand on his knees, "Turner, they tell me you're grooming a dark horse."

"Sir?" Laurie looked blank. Pinky's smile told him that there was a joke somewhere about, but the phrase was a new one to him and he didn't get the coach's meaning. Mr. Mulford laughed.

"They tell me that you're training a new pitcher for us," he explained. "How about it?"

Laurie reddened a bit. He wasn't surprised that the coach knew about it, for his crazy boast and his daily work-outs with Kewpie were known all over school and he was being joked unmercifully. Those morning sessions now were being attended by something of a gallery of interested spectators who were generous with suggestions and applause. But it occurred to him now that Coach Mulford must think him rather a fool.