Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-06-23
"THE BONEHEAD"
The Stranger Tells Funny Story to the BoyS-HaSkin,
Doesn't Get Into the First Gdme-BW
He Manages to Talk
BY CHARLES E. VAN LOAN

no one had invited him to join them.
From his scrutiny of the Rebels he de-
cided that they were "a good sort and
n keen bunch" From time to time he
caught snatches of conversation from
their long table, once he was aware that
several OF the players turned to look at
him, and he blushed over his salad.
At another table he recognized his ac-
quaintance of the morning. He seemed
to be telling a very funny story to several
young men, who laughed immoderately,
and ]. Arthur had an unpleasant sus-
picion that they were talking about him.
When he came down into the lobby.
carrying his suitcase, the old man in
troduced him to several members Of the
team.
Shake hands with Harrington" said
he.
The ball players grinned and offered
their hands, passing him from one to the
other. Tho ceremony was quite formal
Some of them looked hard at the yellow
tufts above the cheek bones, but every
one was most polite-almost too polite
AS the bus ratified over the paving stones
the men laughed and talked. All theiI
conversation was of baseball, "Harring.
tom was ignored and the sensation was
not pleasant one.
In the dressing room he found locker,
cleared away some superannuated gar
menta and stripped quickly. The Rebels,
eyeing him surreptitiously, found no fault
with his physical equipment. He was
1.-the, -muscled and slim and trim as a
racing hull. And he knew it-that was
the worst of 1.-THE knew it In point OF
physical perfection he was easily the most
striking figure in the room.
Old man Terhune. very portly In his
uniform. dropped his hand on the re-
cruit's shoulder as he walked across the
fels.
Am I going to play today?" asked the
boy.
The old man coughed until his neck
grew as red as a turkeys wattles
mo; you better timber up with the rest
Of the youngsters,' said he.
There began the process of taming the
naughty spirit j. Arthur Haskins, who
had counted on electrtfying the baseball
population without warning. was permit
ted to play "catch" with the other prom
Using children Of the team. They would
not even allow him to take his turn al
batting practice on the first day. and this
was bitter blow.
During the game ]. Arthur. roosting on
tho extreme end OF the bench, saw MT 70
crticise the performance of "Tib" Con
KEY, the Rebel third baseman, and the
other raw recruits held their breath when
they heard him.
He doesn't think fast enough argued
]. Arthur. He's a good fielder though
Shanghai Scott one Of the pitchers'
overheard the remark.
| First class in baseball stand up ne
said. Some OF the players laughed
others snorted Indignantly. At the end
OF the inning Shanghai informed Conkey
of what he had heard.
Hey. Tib" said Scott. "Whiskers here
thinks you're bonehead."
Il didn't say that" explained Haskins
"I thought you should have run down tha'
man instead Of making the throw to the
plate"
Conkey's jaw dropped.
well, I'll be bllstered" he said
you're going to teach us how to play
ball. are you? I suppose you think you
know something!"
"shnt up! You're in badP' whispered
one OF the youngsters beside Haskins
They'll make your life a hell on eartf
II you talk back. F"
]. Arthur took the warning along witt
a sizzling blast of sarcastic comment IN
which the entire infeld Joined.
! CONTINUED TOMORROW