The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1911-01-21
Sterling's Stratagem
BY STACY p. BAKER.

along beside her at is the chance
that you have been waiting for isn't 1t,
dear? just know that II will be only
a matter of months before one of those
National or American league clubs will
send around for YOU to come and
manage them"
The youth smiled. Not so soon. Girl"
he protested. "Ill do well II get into
fast company in five years. have my
stepping stones to greater things in
this Banev!lle team. This Is all | ask
ri present"
Fred Sterling, captain manager OF
his college team the year before. had
created sensation during his several
years In amateur athletics. pitcher
1t no mean ability, he had beea Of
fered chances, time and again, To sign
with professional aggregations. but
he had remained an amateur until the
completion of his course. Now he as
pired TO greater things, and the man
agement of the Baneviile Iron and oil
league team had been offered him
Upon hts ability to make good here,
rested his future In baseball. He had
confidence In himself. He had no fear
Sterling was doubiy thankful to be able
to locate la Ranevilie: II was his home
town: IL was also the home OF his
sweetheart.
Annie Hertig was the daintest OF
brunettes. She was feminine from the
hem OF her fuffed gown TO the curls
browning her brow. Caprices were her
specialities, but, withai. there were al
ways to be found gaiiants to abd. by
Nor every decree, aud all for the sake
Of her smilcs. Sterling had fallen IN
.ore with her. and. Tor the first time
she. too. loved. They were TO be mar
Fied IN the tail.
II am glad" confirmed the pert little
maid, tripping SO bfithely along beside
the young ball player. Il am glad, not
only for your sake, hut for the sake
of Dave. Thts viii give him u chance
10 what do YOU call tte--'make good
Dave? Make good repeated
Sterling DULY. What do you in.an
dear ~ He ran his fingers through
shock of dark curly hair.
20. didn't you know? Thought
told yea. DaYe wants 10 become
bali player. Az soon as tell him
you are to manage the home team.
he viii resign his position at the bank
and prepare 20 help yc4 out"
He had better walt uatii he finds
out whether he can make tAe team or
rot An ironie touch to tfi@ words
brought a faint flush TO the checks OF
F''e kHi ~ Hie Sue ana sne turned 10
her escort.
Dave Hertig WAS her ouiv brother.
He was younger than she and the baby
Of the family. every member Of which
continually made sacrifices to make
life more bearable 20 the young bank
clerk.
Since when has Dave become in
aseaiated with tho baseball fever"
asked Sterling, visions of trouble be-
fore him.
.oh. within the last week Annie
grew enthusiastic. HE pitches ball
just epiendidiy. Willie Jones can't
catch IL when he throws IL fast
mind picture of fourteen year old
Willie Jones flashed for an instant be-
fore Sterling. Remarkable Again
that subtle note Of irony He may be
coming wonder for all we know"
He does go WELL" continued the girl
eagerly. land | am sure he will want To
help you win the pennant. OF course
yen will give MIN the place he likes
best
Steriings resolute jaw would indi-
cate that he would be the sort OF a
manager not TO accede to the wants
of men until they proved themselves,
but be was wise In his decision not
10 mention this. I'll see how he
works out" he said and the subject,
for the time being was dropped
Baneviiie had been at the bottom of
tho league list when the previous sea-
son closed Sterling had ambitions !
He wished TO see the present season |
produce pennant winning for his own /
town
There was plenty NJ good material
TO select from at the springs tryouf. I
Among those who strove 10 win u
place on the local team were earnest
eyed young athletics from all sections !
Of the state. Prospects indicate a fast
nine.
The first process of wedding out was
barely under Roadway before Dave
Hertig materiaiized. his toothpick legs
sticking skinniiy ont from padded base /
ball garments and his white, honey
arms free from tan or amy display of !
muscle.
a. Ffertig came like the eonauering hero |!
of song, Wasn't that stern faced, sui |
len hrowed giant now swearing so pie |
tnresaueiy at the awkward antics of .
"phenom" pitcher from Prunetown. I
soon-to-be brother -in-law OF his? 4.
Surely few favors would be shown |
him--for his sisters sake. II nothing
more.
But young Hertix was none too |
pleased with his reception. He was
speedily tried out In nine different
positions--and found wanting In all, |
Furthermore. Sterlings vocabulary was
startling suggestive Of galvanic bat
tsry--in effect. Hertig would have Tx |
ed 10 protest against Sterlings methods |
but ore glance ut the suddenly develop |
ed fighting face OF the hitherto con- |
genial brother in law to- be palstcd the |
tongue of the youth. The young bank |
clerk went straight home--and retired. |
~ want you to make a ball player |
Of him., came from the girl. visit
fully. Il can't bear to have the poor |
boy disappointed. You will, won't you ?r' |
"Um--m" came disgustedly from
the manager.
Il knew H." voiced the delighted girl. |
wouldn't love you at all IL you didn't |
do this for me-
Sterling stared. DO you mean that
you would throw me over IL / refused
to play your brother this season.
@Why-yes," answered the giri. aBut !
what IL the use OF all this talk. You |
do intend to use Dave. for Won have
promised"
TN use him." came from Sterling |
grimiy. And I'll use him bad" he /
muttered under his breath.
20 Fred! What on earth ID the smat- |
ter with Dave? He came home this /
evening with black eye. cut liz. AM, |
three teeth gone. He won't explain |
He says he 10 done with baseball for
es>r."
--sJon.t ~orrv. .oothea szA>,.tr~ ...r,.