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 same cage with him. It wouldn't be so bad if we weren't both trying for the same job."

"Do you mean that Elkins Thurston is a catcher, too?"

"He is if I am," answered Laurie smiling. "More, I guess, for he did some catching last spring with the second. Still, at that, he isn't so much better. We're both pretty bad yet, Polly."

"What does he do that—that you don't like, Laurie?"

"Oh, just acts ugly and nags whenever he gets a chance. If he keeps it up I'll crown him with a bat some fine day!"

"You mustn't get into any fuss with him," said Polly decidedly. "He's a lot bigger than you and—"

"Huh, that's why I mean to use a bat!"

"Besides, you shouldn't have taken his bicycle. You see, Laurie, you really started the trouble yourself."

"Yes, I suppose I did, but he shouldn't be so touchy. Anyway, I don't intend—"

He was interrupted by the opening of the door and the tinkling of the bell. A frail-looking little