O. K., and say," asked Thad. "We can take
criticism without flinching. You know what your team can do; have we
any show against Belleville, or that strong aggregation at Allandale?"

"Honestly, between man and man, fellows," said the other, earnestly, "I
can see the greatest sort of improvement in your play. When you get
your team work down a bit better and closer to scientific principles,
you're going to make both the other clubs in the Three-Town League
hustle some to hold their own. I'm glad to see it, too, because it
means we'll have to do our level best if we hope to win. And that
insures some mighty lively ball games during the short season while
we're playing against each other."

Hugh felt satisfied, for he believed O. K. to be quite honest in what
he said.

CHAPTER XV

PRETTY POLLY UNDER SUSPICION

"Hello! Thad, that you?"

"Nobody else, Hugh. I rather thought I'd hear your voice when I
stepped over to the 'phone. What's doing this fine Sunday afternoon?"

"Are you in for a little walk with me, Thad?"

"Just what would please me a heap, Hugh. Anything particular moving?"

"There you go suspecting that I've got something on tap just because I
call up and invite you to cover a few miles, when the weather is so
fine. But for once you've hit the nail on the head, my boy."

"That settles it, then. I'll rush right over, and join you, Hugh."

"Be careful and don't break your neck in your hurry, Thad. My news can
keep; and what would poor Scranton High do for a catcher in the game
next Saturday if you fractured your collar-bone?"

Whether Thad took the advice to heart or not, he certainly made his
appearance at the home of his best chum in an incredibly brief space of
time, flushed in the bargain, and with an eager light lurking in his
eyes.

"Nothing doing until we get safely out of town," said Hugh, firmly; "so
you'll have to put the brake on your impatience."

"Huh!" grumbled Thad, "that sounds as if what you had to tell me was of
vast importance, so that you didn't want to run any risk of others
cribbing the news. Now you have got me guessing to beat the band,
Hugh. I wonder if those Belleville fellows have been up to any dodge
to learn our signals, and how our pitchers are practicing certain pet
balls?"

"Oh! I'll relieve your mind that far by telling you it has nothing
whatever to do with the game next Saturday; for that matter it's not
about baseball at all. You're doing