The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1886-07-15

| ing. with arms OutStretchcd and legs
extended
Great heavens, he is killed. l cried
in an agony of dread. Surely his head
struck square stone which happened
! to be at that corner. ! trembled from
head to foot and convulsively grasped
the arm of my friend.
Hush" she said. she only fell in
Order to touch his base
'BIt such criminal carelcssness as
to have stones in the way" | answer
back Indignantly.
The stone is the base and he dropped
to touch it." said the laughing voice
of this wOman-wholly equal to base
ball.
Then why not stoop and touch it,"
/ asked with the blood consciousness
of right.
a lightning glance from her and L
continued:
He looked like a lizard after a
wagon has run over it. 30.
This brilliance was lost in new
cOmmOtiOn. To me it was pande-
monium; to others clear as nOOn-day.
They smiled, and clapped hands, and
nodded knowingly to each other; and
the great crowd cheercd like madmen.
One ball multiplied to six. The Blues
| and Athletes darted here and there
without system, some running to one
corner of the little foot-path and some
to another, while a few remained in
one spot and continued to alternate
their feet in spite of the man with the
book and his derisiye shout of foul. y
At that moment put him out. put him
out.' was yelled by hundred voices.
rs there Il thief about? | inquired
timidly.
No answer to my question. but
another shout from the spectators, wild
racing, furious wells. intermingling Of
the brown and the blue uniforms. when
in a twinkling the Athletes dartcd away
and left the Blues to go it alone. >
Among artists this blurred chaotic
mass might be called an impressive
picture, so startling was the resemblance
to some great work OF tn. modern
school. ''See Naples and die ought
to be changed into Paint baseball as
it is and die" Put 4 quantity of paint
on great canvas. let four giants bring
it down suddenly and expertiY; and
presto! the impressioniSt has the pict-
ure and frame too. Such were my
infantle and not very elevating
thoughts when the voice at my left
exclaimed delightfully."-: ''AthleteS
eleven to four" Her fair face beamed
with satisfaction and her hands clappod
softly together. l seized the propitious
moment of her restored good humor.
to seek information on what was to me
the most vital and perpleXing part OF
the game.
My dear" l asked earnestly, ''tell
me how such young boys learn this
difficult game?'
1t will be understood that by this
time | was eating gooIly share of
humble pie. My friends sole answer
was look after the manner of city
belle to her rust c cousin, and then she
turned away from me. Not to be
snubbed, boldly pluckcd the sleeve of
a mild-faced old gentleman who stood
near me, and said:
Sir, will you tell me how these ten
der boys acquire such deXterity and
strength"
"Boys?' he asked.
Eyes" | answered with fine enthusi-
asm, ''this is marvellous for such young
fellows"
a smile leaped into his eyes and he,
too, turned TO watch the game.
Baseball is not conducive to good |
| unused, whatever it is
for muscles"
The pitcher is out of his box"
shriekcd Il small urchin near.
What does that niean?' [ asked
1T means this" came the patient |
from the forgivin@ teach er |
1T my right, 1.-The person standing in |
the center is the pitcher; there is an
line around him called the
box. He has no right to get outside |
this imaginary line"
Yes, yes. see, he pretands to be
pitcher in bowl-or box
This pitcher in his box CD was a
individual. He performed |
marvellous feats in throwing. and he
held the ball oh! so tenderly. He
caresscd it full moment each time be-
fore sending it from him. 1t was the
old smile of the cat and mouse. He
pressed the ball. patted it, turned it
about, looked at it adoringly then sud
lenlv and cruelty hurled it away rs
)ne would hurl a viper. 4 vague hope
stirred my soul at this period. that the
game was abOu. to b. developed to Il
point within my comprehension. Its
Wild runnings, sudden sprawlings. base
were still insolvable riddles.
| decided not to be a
skeleton at the feast of fun. hence the
name smile CT an imbecile spread itself
lutifully over my face.
What have the Blues done now?' /
inquired as terrific shout
fitted the air.
They caught the ball on the fly"
ny friends answered triumphantly, in
me breath.
'.Ah. but where's the fy?" and l
.azed vacantiy about.
No one heard me. the noise was deaf
ming; my friends forgot my existence.
felt as Insignificant as an honest poll
ician at n convention. Even the old
legro who stood guard over the heap
If polished clubs, lost his dignity; that
learest treasure of the African soul.
vent out 10 nOthingnesS. He waved
lis greasy hat and pointed his long
black finger, while his voice roared
ike lion. In that wild moment
under my breath: Is it an
African jungle. or a lunatic asylum?
Wise mother nature changed 10 Il more
uitable accompaniment; the golden
ight had turned to leaden grey; the
airy clouds were heavy and threat
ming; the sweet seductive voices of
Invisible spirits had changed inso