never saw anything dirtier--never. After
you coached him he simply wormed his way into Eliot's favor and crowded
you out as soon as he could. He's got everybody saying that he's a
better pitcher than you ever were or ever could be. You bet he doesn't
miss a chance to sneer about you behind your back; that's him. I'm
glad you've shown spirit enough to resent it, and not to go crawling
around after him or any of the rest of that bunch."

"You'll never see me cuc-crawling after anybody!" cried Springer
fiercely; "and Grant better keep a decent tut-tongue in his head! He
needn't think because he happens to have an ugly temper and belongs to
a fighting family that everybody is afraid of him. I can stand a lot,
but there's a limit."

Herbert turned his head away for a moment to conceal the gleam of
satisfaction that sprang into his eyes, coughing behind his hand.

"You're made of different stuff from that soft slob Hooker," he said.
"I did think that Hook had some sand and spirit, but I've changed my
mind; he has just about as much backbone as a jellyfish. He can talk
and blow, but it's all wind. You're a fellow with genuine spirit and
pride; nobody wipes his feet on you."

"Not if I know it," growled Phil, flattered by the words of the crafty
fellow.

"Of course not; and that's the way to be. It's only the marks who let
themselves be used for footmats; Hooker's a mark. They'll use him, all
right. He'll do the dirty work they would have given you if you'd let
them, while Grant will get all the glory."

Springer laughed. "Perhaps he won't get as much glory as he expects.
Clearport came near batting him out. Wait until he goes against
Wyndham next Saturday."

"Now you're talking!" exclaimed Rackliff with enthusiasm. "There will
be something coming to him then. I fancy it may be possible that you
would enjoy seeing Wyndham beat Oakdale?"

"Shu-surest thing you know," answered Phil, who had been cleverly led
into making such a confession. "I hope Wyndham eats them up alive!"

"Your desire will be gratified. Wyndham will make monkeys of them."

"You're confident."

"Dead sure."

"I don't just see how you can be."

"I suppose you've heard how Wyndham actually buried Barville last
Saturday. The score was seventeen to three--something awful."

"But Clearport came mum-mighty near beating Wyndham the week before."

Herbert winked wisely. "Maybe they did, and maybe they didn't," he
said.

"Oh, bu