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 "That's the stuff, Kewpie! Steam 'em up! Now then!"

Kewpie pitched again and once more. Mr. Mulford spoke. "You haven't any speed, Proudtree," he said regretfully. "The weakest batter on the scrub could whang those out for home runs. Got anything else?"

Kewpie had recovered his assurance now. "Sure," he answered untroubledly. "What do you want?"

Mr. Mulford replied a trifle tartly. "I want to see anything you've got that looks like pitching. I certainly haven't seen anything yet!"

"Curve some," said Laurie.

Kewpie fondled the ball very carefully, wound up, and pitched. The result was a nice out-shoot that surprised even Laurie, who nearly let it get past him into the net. "That's pitching," he called. "Let's have another."

Kewpie sent another. Mr. Mulford arose from the bench and took up a position behind the net. "Let's have that out-curve again," he commanded. Kewpie obeyed. "All right," said the coach. "Not bad. Try a drop."