“Well, I guess that’s right,” nodded Billings.
“I’d rather have nine men who are not quite so brilliant, but who have the right spirit and the determination to play the game for the glory of their team or college than to have a team made up of stars, every one of whom is looking for his own glory.”
“You’ve got a level head, young fellow,” said Billings. “You’re all right. I’ve been watching you some time. You’re a comer, and I bet my life you’ll get there.”
“Thank you,” murmured Dick, blushing.
“I’m sorry you’re a freshman this year. Wish you weren’t barred from varsity baseball. The varsity needs you.”
“Oh, I don’t think——”
“I know,” interrupted Billings quickly. “You’d be a great help to the varsity nine. It’s no secret now that we are weak on the slab.”
“There are candidates enough.”
“Candidates enough, such as they are. Never in my life saw such a swarm of fellows trying to pitch. They’ve been culled out and sifted down to five or six at the present time, but out of what remains there’s not a single steady, cool-headed, reliable man with real talent for pitching. Of course, I don’t want to be quoted, Merriwell. I wouldn’t say this to every one, but it’s a fact.”
“There’s no danger that I’ll repeat it, Billings. It’s a shame.”