Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-06-09

again-only this time he reversed. AS he
brought up standing. empty-handed, he said
in awe-Struck tones:
why, parson. nobody but a cross-eyed
man could catch those DUN things. Get
one right at me-right here folding his
hands in front of his stomach.
That's right where they would go II
you didn't get out Of the way. Stand still
and keep your eyes OPEN" Harwood COM
manded. Now,
Bir, Another sizzling in-shoot! Crack!
Colonel was in the air dancing like wild
Indian, trying to blow on his hands, and
rub his elbows at the same time. The ball
had gone as HARDWOOD said. The conclusion
OF it had Jared the colonel from finger
tips 10 shoulder blades.
IF you'd only put on the mitts," HARDWOOD
said, with a tantalizing grin. I'D like to
throw you few speedy ones-oiherwise
I'm really afraid l might hurt YOU
Hurt me-" Colonel's tone was abject.
And them paws feeling like full crock
cry crate had smashed EN-. I'm no glut-
ton. parson. i know when I've had enough.
But. say, you're the deceivingest package
ever l struck"
Mr.. Harwood," said Potter, eff you
don't mind I'll go get Bill Reed to come and
catch for you"
II should like it of all things" said Har-
wood. The little 1 have done makes me
feel new man"
Me, too-and a very poor one" Colonel
added-hut he plucked up spirit to grin
heartily when Potter came back with Bill
Reed. catcher to the Gallias, two or three
other members. and several fans" beside.
When HARDWOOD suggested gloves Bill
shifted even more disdainfully than Colonel
had done. Harwood smiled as he took posi-
ton in the box, and said, softly: Say
where you want the balls Mr. Reed. I'm
try 20 put them over the plate about right
Bill Squattcd back of the plate spat to-
bacco juice on his hands and said: Give US
a low bail
Harwood eripped the leathern sphere, leap
ed the length of the box, gave a twist OF
the wrist and let drive. straight drop
over the middle of the plate. Reed put up
his hands, but, to his amaZement, the thing
ducked under his fingers and went skipping
down the alley. He chagrined, of
course. But when Harwood again named
gloves he said almost roughly: Don't you
lay awake nights thinkin' o Bill Reed. He
don't need no s-oves to catch no preachers
pitchin."
Harwood nodded and pitched the same
insfoot he had sent TO Colonel. Bill leaped
TO this side and that in a vain attempt to
get behind the ball. AS it passed him and
went hustling through the dust he cried:
Fellows, did you see that thing? If 1
hadn't quit drinkin I'd swear 1 had 'em
again.
Potter lined up his forces behind the par
son. HARDWOOD winked at Potter, then with
a motion Ike the uncoiling of steel spring
he sent another inshoot to Reed so swift
that Reed had time to dodge 1t. Bill
managed to get his hands up in the In
stinctive movement of self-defense-he
caught and hung to the pigskin cannon ball.
though his fingers did not feel 1t, they were
so Jared and numb.
Nv hoop. reared Bill, sitting down sud-
denly and staring wild-eyed at the par
son. Boys" he went on solemnly, that
wus a close shave: If ! hadn't caught the
thing 'twould a-gone plumb through my
innards. Say" looking ruefully at his
hands, no more ball today, thank you.
I've got to see Doc johnson about them
things.
I'm very sorry" HARDWOOD said demure-
ly, but you wouldn't put on gloves for
parsons pitching. you know. Soak your
hands in very hot water; II will set them all
right. Now, is there any other gentleman
who cares to pay ball?'
In the soft warm twilight of that event
fui day HARDWOOD sat coatless and COM
Portable in the parsonage study. He was
smoking and trying hard to keep cool He
was also very lonely, and II must be con-
fessed blue, from staying alone in the de-
serted house. So he was genuinely glad to
hear heavy steps upon the gavel, and lit
tie later 10 welcome Potter. Colonel Reed
and some more men he did not know.
This isn't exactly social call" Potter
began. yet We can't exactly call it busi-
begin"
"oh. no, somebody going to commit
matr!mony, Who is IL? Colonel or nv
friend Reed?" Harwood asked his eyes
twinkling. Reed grinned broadly. The day
before he would have thrashed the man
who had named him friend to a parson
But man who could play such ball-that
was another matter altogether.
You're dead wrong, parson. That sort Of