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

stared at the cleverness Of the new
conner 1t was he best introduction he
could have presented. AS he passed the
left fielder that smiling player called
out. Good catch. old man." and the
third baseman echoed the sentiment if
not the words. When he neared the
home plate the catcher stepped forward
and called to him:
Won't you join us?'
Thanks" John replied. Don't care IL
/ do"
He felt that he needed the exercise.
Besides he liked the game.
He put his coat and vest on the ground
and he did so he noticed that little
group Of spectators, among them
dozen or more girls. were cycling him
curiously. They knew he was a stranger.
and strangers-more especially young
men-were rare in the quiet town
There's nobody at right" called the
catcher.
John nodded and walked briskly into
the field
Not too far out" the first Saseman
warned him. "The man at the bat is
left-handed and pretty sure to send you
a grounder"
John turned and backed slowly into
the field. Sure enough the batter
whacked a lively grounder toward him.
and he simply closed his hands upon it
and tossed it to the grinning first base
man. The late batter flung his bat on
the ground
Il object to the new mans being the
whole thing" he cried. whereat every
body laughed and John intuitively real
lied that this must he the town wit A
moment later he passed the new man.
Say" he cried. YOU must be mind
reader to get in the way like that.
That always counts as a clean hit for
me-"
John laughed.
Lots of hard luck about the game
he said.
Its always hard luck 70 have a good
player block your hits" the other man
cried. My names Tom Pepper"
Mine is Italian" said John
They hastily clasped hands and then
hurried to their places.
John had little more to do until he
found himself in the pitchers position
How his fingers tingled as they tight
ened on the ball, How carefully he
eyed the batter
Let It come" the latter cried. I'm
the man that handed you thai long fly.
Gimme swipe at another"
John sent the ball over the plate
The batter, stout young fellow, made
furious swing at it and missed. He
looked at John and whistled and his
face wore such a comicaI expression
that John laughed aloud.
Want another?'' he called
What are you laughing at?' demand
ed the batter. DO you think 1 miss
EN- every timer"
John chuckled.
Same placer" he asked
ANY old place." retorted the batter,
and swung and missed again.
A moment later he was out, while a
shout Of good-natured derision arose
from both players and spectators.
Say" the victim remarked as John
approached him, where did you learn
that?''
AT school," laughed John ami passed
on
The sport did not last much longer.
but John had the chance to drive
liner above the second baseman's head
and sprint around to the third base
When time was called the players gath
cred around him as he picked up his
coat and vest
Were all glad to have met you. Mr.
HaIlan," said the redoubtabIe Pepper;
more especially the clean hitters, and
I'd like to make you acquainted with
the bunch Mr.. Morgan. Mr.. Hallan Mr..
Perkins Mr. North. Mr.. Gay, Mr.. Cres-
mage. and Mr. Haskell. Mr.. Haskell is
our captain, Mr.. Hallan. and he has
something to say to you Spiel away.
Bert
The captain was clean cut. bright.
eyed young man, and John was greatly
taken by his appearance.
May ask you how long you intend
20 stay in Graz town. Mr.. Hallan?" he
inquired.
'T scarcely know" John replied. I've
been working pretty hard, and came
here for a brief rest
You have a somewhat strenuous way
of resting, Mr.. Hallan," said the hui
morous Pepper.