Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1933-09-28
Uncle Henry
By TOM GIBBONS
o. by Mcclure Newspaper Syndicate.
WNU Service

attractive, youthful Pat. She in turn
tried to modernize him and make the
home more coy. As q result, they
were more than often engaged In heat
ed debates over tribes, which were
mutually enjoyed by both.
"Uncle Henry. let's stop at the bali
game-we're Just In time" Pat looked
at her watch. The crowds were lined
mp at the ticket windows.
TT isn't the ball game that you're
interested in. young lady. It's Just
that good-for-nothing ball player, Hank
Weddell."
"Why don't you like Hankf He
makes a good salary, and he's q nice
young fellow. Besides that he's been
darned nice to me-" Pat admitted.
"Humbugi A ball player-no bet
ter than an actor"
"Uncle Henry, just happened 10
think, Hank won't be playing today.
He pitched yesterdays game"
"All right, then well 60 in. / al
ways liked ball games until that young
fool turned me against Them" Henry
Spencer grunted.
AS the usher showed them to their
seats, Pat smiled to herself-as II the
width Of the ball diamond could sep
arate Hank from heri
Watching the players warming up,
Pat kept a keen watch, hoping to see
Hank somewheres on the field.
"Oh, look There's the home team
coming out on the feld," Pat an
nounced to her uncle.
swell, what do you want me to doi
Stop them? Or give three cheersi
That's what they're paid for. isn't it!''
After her uncle's sarcasm. Pat
didn't attempt further conversation
during eight innings She watched
the game In silence and after the
eighth inning she looked at the score
board with satisfaction. Two runs
had been scored by the opponents to
the three runs for the home team.
She was satisfied. II looked like Z
sure victory for Hillcrest. The pitcher
had been throwing neat curves which
had the opponents baffled. Three up
and three out, then home, Pat figured
Now that the game was almost over
she was anxious to get home.
The crack Of the bat against the ball
caused Pat to drop her powder pun
and take renewed interest in the
game. The runner was rounding sec
ond, started to third, but decided he
couldn't make It and returned to sec
ond. Pat watched the game intently
and Uncle Henry was chewing an
other cigar vigorously.
another hit and we're done for r.
Uncle Henry gasped, his eyes centered
on the home plate.
'sThat's a pinch hitter coming In"
Pat said rather excitedly. ''They call
him Home Run Charlie"
"A home run right now will settle
our HASH" Uncle Henry's eyes were
shining. zone man on base, no outs
and a pinch hitter at bat. Wow, It
looks bad for Hillcrestw he groaned.
A swift grounder dashed from the
bat, the runner made first easily and
the man at second advanced to third.
The crowd roared. Pat was on the
edge Of the bench. They were chang
ing pitchers and a man with a mega
phone announced: "Hank Weddell
now pitching for Hillcrestr"
Joan turned to her uncle. He i'm
mediately frowned suspiciously and
chewed at his cigar.
Hank walked to the center Of the
diamond and dug down In the pitchers
mound with his spiked Shoes A few
preliminary throws and he stood fac
ing the man at bat Three times his
arm went up with that swinging mo-
ton and three times the umpire
called: "Strikev'
Uncle Henry lost all his antagonism
for the young pitcher and he Joined
the shouting in the stands. "Atta boy,
Hank! Come on, kidd Give 'em some
more! Just two more times like that
You can do It, old boy!" Uncle Henry
kept up his cheering, oblivious of the
happy Pat who watched him with evil
dent amusement.
The next man up at bat swung at
the first one, hit 1t up, the ball bound
ed In the air. Hank, like a flash, was
under 1t. He was waiting for 1t and
he caught 1t safely in his glove.
Uncle Henry turned to the man next
to him, and with a broad smile said
"That young mans a friend Of my
niece'si He's a great ball player,
isn't he?" And with that Uncle Henry
sat back on the bench, well pleased
with the world.
Again Hank Weddell put three swift
strikes over the center Of the plate,
and the last man was out. A deafen.
ing roar went up from the stands.
Uncle Henry called to Pat as she
dashed from her seat He yelled at
her loudly, more loudly than was nee.
essary.
TELL Hank weddell wen wait for
him and drive him homsr" Uncle
Henry got to his feet and faced the
awed crowd proudly.
20. X. Uncle Henry. Wen meet
you at the cart"