noon lost, still there would be plenty of
time to train for his position, if he had the luck to be selected in
the end.

All the time they worked, and afterwards with picked nines played a
short game, Hugh kept on the lookout, but no Thad showed up. This was
so queer that Hugh made up his mind he must drop in at the Stevens
domicile on his way home to supper, and find out what had happened to
keep his chum, who was as enthusiastic as himself over baseball
matters, from coming around for the first test.

More than once that afternoon Hugh received warning words from some of
the other boys concerning Nick Lang.

"He isn't the kind of a fellow to forget and forgive, Hugh, remember,"
K. K. went on to say, with a shake of his head. "I've studied the
beast, and I know how he's made up. Right now he glares at you every
time he happens to come near. And if looks could kill, they'd be
conducting your funeral tomorrow, Hugh. He's a tough one, all right,
and you knocked the conceit out of his head when you gave him that
dandy black eye. Be on your guard, Hugh, and never trust Nick Lang;
for he's not only a brute but a treacherous one in the bargain."

But Hugh only laughed on hearing this warning.

"Thank you for what you say, K. K." he told the other. "You make the
fourth fellow to tell me about the same thing. But really, I don't
believe there's as much danger as you seem to believe. Fellows like
Nick are careful not to get struck by lightning twice. The burnt child
dreads the fire, they say. Nick's bark is worse than his bite; and I
think I've drawn the fangs of the wolf, K. K. Thank you again."

CHAPTER VIII

THAD MAKES A DISCOVERY

When Hugh, on his way home, came in sight of the Stevens place, he was
quite surprised to discover his chum Thad seated on one of the low gate
posts, and apparently waiting for him to pass along.

"Why, hello! what does this mean, I'd like to know?" burst out Hugh.
"After being honored with summons to come out and start practice at
baseball, you run home to get on your togs and then forget all about
it. But, joking aside, what really did happen to you, Thad, tell me?"

Thad was looking unusually serious, Hugh thought. Evidently something
quite out of the usual line must have occurred to detain him; and Hugh,
on his part, would not have been a natural boy had he not felt more or
less curiosity concerning its nature.

"Oh! that was only an accident," the other commenc