The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1904-01-31
By w. R. ROSE

That's play for me-" laughed John.
and it's the play / like the best He
turned to Haskell. I'm pretty sure to
be here for a week at least
In that case" said Haskell, I'VE
want to take the liberty of asking you
to help us out in game we are to play
next Saturday. Let me explain. This
is the town nine. We like the game and
play it for our own amusement Just
now we are in the midst of an intensely
interesting contest with the nine of the
Brooks College at Shoreham, six miles
east of here. We beat them the first of
the series on Decoration Day by a
score of to 6. They beat us three
weeks later. TO l. The final game
comes off next Saturday, and we are
very anxious TO win. The Brooks team
expects an easy victory. They prac-
tice more than we do, and their team
work is better, and they are awfully
confident that they will have us at their
mercy. Now we want you to play with
us, Mr.. Hailap, If you will. You'll find
us all good fellows and highly appre-
ciative"
Thanks for your confidence laughed
John. "In return. let me say that be-
feve every word of your statement
But you don't know anything about
me-"
"Oh. yes; we do said Tom Pepper
Johns eyes opened wider.
What do you know he asked
We have seen your recommends
tions.'' Pepper replied Besides. We
think we can recognize a gentleman
when we get him at such short range as
this"
Thank you again, said John, BAT
am / eligibIe?"
"Oh. yes Haskell replied. This is
the town nine There are no restric-
tions for us. We get the best players
we can find That's understood OF
course. we draw the line at profess
SIGNALS. You don't come under the lat
ter head. l fancy" and he laughed as
he said it,
NO" John replied.
Then you will join u.s."
why. yes" said John, III you want
mic. But there's just one condition.
am going to ask you to let me do the
pitching"
IAN right" said Haskell. That's
where we need a change
IF 1 am hammered laughed John
"of course. you can take me out"
The Brooks boys are hard hitters."
said Tom Pepper, ominously.
"All 1 ask is an inning" said John.
The big fellow whom John had struck
out stared hard at him.
IN bet my pet bat that you'll last the
game out he said
who is yous regular catcher" john
inquired.
Il am" said Haskell
we must get together said John.
Yes" Haskell agreed. well. boys.
tomorrow afternoon at the same time"
The little crowd drifted away and
John and Haskell walked together.
Where are you stopping. Mr.. Hal
LAM"
with the Mobiles on the South hill"
That's just beyond our home. 1t must
be a little lonesome for you. I'd like
70 have you meet my people. Can't you
spend the evening with us?"
This wasn't at all the way to get that
complete rest that John had intended
for himself.
Thank YOU" he said I'm be glad to
do So
I'll come for you" said Haskell.
Hello, there's Laura, now. Laura" he
called.
A slender young woman a little ways
ahead OF them on the board walk turned
about
Sister Laura" said Haskell, II want
to introduce my friend. Mr.. Hallan.
He's visiting in the town and is going to
play ball with US Saturday"
John bowed. and The girl gave him
her slender hand. She certainly was a
pretty girl. with a grace and charm
that impressed John at once.
at am pleased 10 meet Brother Egg
berts friend she said. and her voice
was delightful.
"A friend Of very brief standing"
laughed John. He has taken me on
trust"
Brother Egbert's judgment is very
fair" she said with sudden smile; ION
the ball field"
"Oh. come" cried Haskell, its a pity
If we can't occasionally take a chance