o so, didn't it?"

"Yes, sir."

"It would probably hurt a little less, now. No---don't try it,"
as Dick started to bolster himself up. "You want that knee in
shape at the earliest moment, don't you?"

"Of course I do, doctor."

"Then lie very quiet, and do, in everything, just what you are
told."

"I've got to pitch to-morrow afternoon, you know, doctor. And
I've got to run bases."

Dr. Bentley pursed his lips.

"There's a chance in a thousand that you'll be able, Prescott.
The slight swelling is the worst thing we have to deal with,
I'm glad to say. We'll have to keep the leg pretty quiet, and
put cold compresses on frequently."

"I'll stay here and do it," volunteered Dave, promptly.

"You have to pitch to-morrow, Dave, if anything _should_ make the
coach order me off the field," interposed Dick, anxiously. "And
you ought to be home and in bed now."

"If Mrs. Prescott will put on the bandages up to one o'clock to-night
that will be doing well enough," suggested Dr. Bentley. "I shall
be in to look at the young man quite early in the morning. But
don't attempt to get up for anything, do you understand, Prescott?
You know---" here Dr. Bentley assumed an air of authority---"
I'm more than the mere physician. I'm medical director to your nine.
So you're in duty bound to follow my orders to the letter."

"I will---if you'll promise me that I can pitch," promised the
boy fervently.

"I can't promise, but I'll do my best."

"And, Dave," pressed Dick, "you'll skip home, now, and get a big
night's rest, won't you? There's a bare chance that you _might_
have to throw the ball to-morrow. But I won't let you, if I can
stop it," Prescott added wistfully.

So Dave departed, for he was accustomed to following the wishes
of the head of Dick & Co. in such matters.

Mrs. Prescott had come in as soon as the lad had been placed between
the sheets. Dr. Bentley gave some further directions, then left
something that would quiet the pain without having the effect
of an opiate.

"It all depends on keeping the leg quiet and keeping the cold
compresses renewed," were the medical man's parting words.

Twenty minutes later Dave telephoned the store below. Darrin
was in a state of great excitement.

"Tell Dick, when he's awake in the morning," begged Dave of Mr.
Prescott, who answered the call, "that Gridley pitchers seem to
be in danger to-night. At least, _two_ of 'em are. I was right
near home, and runnin