he bitter feeling he had for Joe,
however, was too strong to resist, and he came over to where they were. He
paid no attention to Jim, and gave a curt nod to Hughson and fixed a
malignant stare on Joe.

"All dolled up," he said, with a sneer, as he noted the quiet but handsome
suit that Joe was wearing. "I could have glad rags, too, if you hadn't
bilked me out of four thousand dollars."

"Cut out that talk, Bugs," said Joe, though not unkindly. "I never did you
out of anything and you know it."

"Yes, you did," snarled Hartley. "You got me fired from the Giants and did
me out of my share of the World's Series money."

"You did yourself out of it, Bugs," said Joe, patiently. "I did my best to
have Mac hold on to you. I never was anything but your friend. Do you
remember how Jim and I put you to bed that night in St. Louis when you
were drunk? We took you up the back way so Mac wouldn't get next. Take a
fool's advice, Bugs--cut out the liquor and play the game."

"I don't want any advice from you!" sneered Hartley. "And take it from me,
I'll get you yet."

"Beat it, Bugs!" Jim broke in sternly, "while the going's good. Roll your
hoop now, or I'll help you."

Hartley hesitated a moment, but took Jim's advice and with a muttered
threat went on his way.

"Mad as a March hare," murmured Jim, as they watched the retreating
figure.

"Do a man a favor and he'll never forgive you," quoted Joe.

"Where did he get his grouch against you?" asked Hughson, curiously.

"Search me," replied Joe. "I think it dates from the time when he was
batted out of the box and Mac sent me in to take his place. I won the game
and Bugs has been sore at me ever since. He figured that I tried to show
him up."

"I wonder how he got here?" mused Hughson. "The last time I saw him was in
New York, and the money I lent him wasn't enough to bring him on."

"Perhaps Mac gave him transportation," suggested Jim.

"Not on your life," rejoined Hughson. "Mac's got a heart as big as a
house, but he hates a traitor. You see, though, Joe, I was right in giving
you the tip. Keep your eyes open, old man."

Joe was about to make a laughing reply, but just at that moment Larry and
Denton came along with broad smiles of welcome on their faces, and the
unpleasant episode was forgotten.

It was a jolly party that left Chicago the next morning for the trip
around the world. The managers had chartered a special train which was
made up wholly of Pullman slee