Page:Stanwood Pier--Crashaw brothers.djvu/174



HELDON’S withdrawal from the School made Edward’s position in one respect  easier: Jim Payne, who had been displeased  by his refusal to play baseball, was now mollified. He came to Edward that very day and said, “Well, I suppose I can’t blame you any  longer if you insist on rowing.”

“I certainly hope you won’t blame me,” Edward answered.

“I suppose, with Sheldon gone, you’ll be needed in the boat about as much as on the  nine,” Payne conceded. “I wish there were two of you, Edward.”

“I guess you think I’m a great deal better than I am.”

“No, I don’t. I remember the first time I ever saw you stand up to bat, and I knew  right off what you could do. You can’t fool me; I know a natural-born hitter when I see