ow, every member of the squad, and all of the spectators were
beginning to take keen notice.

"Slowly, Prescott. Take your time between," admonished Lieutenant
Lawrence, who knew how easily a pitcher out of training might
wrench his muscles and go stale for several days.

Greg had signaled for what had once been one of his chum's best---a
modification of the "jump ball" that had cost this young pitcher
much hard study and arm-strain.

As Dick stood ready to let go of the ball he seemed inclined to
dawdle over it. It wasn't going to be one of his snappiest---any
onlooker could judge that, at least, so it seemed.

Even Durville was fooled, though he did not let up much in the way
of alertness.

Now the ball came on, with not much speed or steam behind it.
Durville took a good look, made some calculation for possible
deception, then made his swing with the stick.

Slightly forward Durville had to bend, in order to get low enough
to make the crack.

As his bat swished half lazily through the air, Durville "ducked"
suddenly, for the upbounding ball had gone so close to his ear
as to seem bent on removing some of the skin off that member.

Greg, who had been stooping, was up in time to mit the ball.
Then Durville, his face flushing, heard Holmes chuckle.

"One or two more, if you like, sir," called Dick, facing the coach.
"But I think, sir, I'd better be in finer trim before I do too
much tossing in one afternoon."

"You've done enough, Prescott," cried Lieutenant Lawrence, stepping
forward and resting one hand cordially on Dick's shoulder.

"Train with us for a fortnight, and you'll take all the hide off
of the Navy's mascot goat."

There was a laugh from the members of the squad who stood within
hearing. But, as Dick Prescott and Greg Holmes walked over to
the side of the field they were greeted by a cheer from all who
had watched their performance.

"I'm very glad you asked for a further trial for Prescott," murmured
Lieutenant Lawrence to the captain of the Army nine.

"I thought you would be, sir," Durville replied.

"We have a line-up, after these two men have been trained into
shape, that will make one of the strongest Army nines in a generation."

"We'd have tanned the Navy last year, sir," ventured Durville, "if
we had known what material we had in Prescott and Holmes, and had
been able to get them out."

At cadet mess that evening the talk ran high with joy. West Point
was sure it had foun