Page:Nid and Nod (IA nidnod00barb).pdf/371

 *parently not at all overwhelmed, walked into the diamond, pulling on his glove.

There was a moment of silent amazement. Then Farview went delirious with delighted amusement. The Farview stand almost rocked with the laughter that emanated from it, laughter that came as a relief to strained nerves and was indulged in freely. Hillman's, recovering from its first instant of amazement, cheered valiantly, and, cheering, took hope. After all, it might well be that the chubby Proudtree would prove no worse than Croft. It was even possible that he might be an improvement on that youth. Meanwhile Farview laughed until tears came and Laurie and Kewpie met midway of mound and plate.

"Go slow, Kewpie," said Laurie, "and follow the signals. Take all the time you can; hear? Waiting may worry them. Keep your nerve, son, no matter what happens. Just pretend that you're pitching to me in practice."

"Sure," agreed Kewpie complacently. "Don't worry about me, Nod. Let's go!"

One down and three on, a hit meaning two runs! It was a tough situation that Kewpie