e when I was there, and I'm in better
trim and nerve than you are yet. Don't be discouraged."

Soon Dave was making a rather decent showing.

"I'll show you later, Darrin, a little more about the way to turn
the hand in the wrist twist," remarked the coach, as he let Dave
go. "You'll soon have the hang of the thing. Now, Prescott,
you step into the imaginary box, if you please."

Dick took to an inshoot. His first serve was as easily clouted
as Dave's had been. After that, by putting on a little more steam,
and throwing in a good deal more calculation, Dick got three successive
balls by Mr. Luce. At two of these, coach had struck.

"You're going to do first-rate, Prescott, by the time we get outdoors,
I think;" Mr. Luce announced. "I shall pay particular attention
to your wrist work."

"I'm afraid I showed up like a lout," whispered Dave, as Dick
rejoined his chums.

"No, you didn't," Dick retorted. "You showed what all of us
show---that you need training to get into good shape. That's
what the coach is working with us for."

"I'm betting on you and Dick for the team," put in Tom Reade,
quickly.

"Dick will make it, and I think you will, too, Dave," added Harry
Hazelton.

"I wish I were as sure for myself," muttered Greg Holmes, plaintively.

"Oh, well, if I can't make the team," grinned Dan Dalzell, "I'm
going to stop this work and go in training as a mascot."

"Look at the fellow who always carries Luck in his pocket!" gibed
Hazelton, good-humoredly.

Coach Luce was now calling off several names rapidly. These young
men were directed to scatter on the gym. floor. To one of them
Mr. Luce tossed the ball.

"Now, then," shot out Luce's voice, "this is for quick understanding
and judgment. Whoever receives the ball will throw it without
delay to anyone I name. So post yourselves on where each other
man stands. I want fast work, and I want straight, accurate work.
But no amount of speed will avail, unless the accuracy is there.
_And vice versa_!"

For five minutes this was kept up, with a steam engine idea of
rapidity of motion. Many were the fumbles. A good deal of laughter
came from the sides of the gym.

"Myself!" shouted Luce, just as one of the players received the
ball. The young man with the ball looked puzzled for an instant.
Then, when too late to count, the young man understood and drove
the ball for the coach.

"Not quick enough on judgment," admonished Mr. Luce. "Now, w