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 after going through the last few minutes he deserved a whole plate of cookies, but he resisted the temptation. Too many cookies weren't good for a fellow who hoped—sometimes—to be a catcher!

He was so relieved at the outcome of the talk that he didn't realize it was pouring harder than it had poured all day until he had turned into Ash Street. When he did, he gave up the idea of joining the others at the Widow's and headed as straight as Orstead's wandering streets would let him head for East Hall, arriving there extremely wet despite his oilskin coat. Sounds told him that many of the fellows had already returned, and at the head of the first flight he encountered Elk Thurston and his room-mate, Jim Hallock, coming down. Hallock said, "Hello, Nod," and then Elk asked: "How's the great pitcher coming on? Going to spring him on us pretty soon?"

Laurie said, "Not for another week or so, Elk," and heard Elk laughing as he and Jim went down.

A little later, when Ned and Kewpie arrived in No. 16, Laurie held their undivided attention.