Bill Toleman had arrived on the field as Dick walked out to pitch. After watching Merriwell a while, Toleman retired to the bleachers and listened to the comments of the spectators. What he overheard did not seem to please him, and finally, in a surly manner, he left the field. Keene was called out to pitch when Dick stopped. Leyden walked in to the bench with the freshman.
“Well, what do you think about the boy, Bill?” asked Billings, who was smiling with a great deal of satisfaction.
The coach scratched his head.
“He certainly has the kinks and the control,” he admitted. “I’ve never seen him pitch in a game, but if he has a level head I should say he’s all the mustard.”
This pleased Billings, who proceeded to call Emery and Leyden aside where he could speak to them privately.
“I don’t want you gentlemen to think I’m butting in,” he said, “but, of course, you know that I have the interest of the team at heart just as much as any one. I’m not here to give you any advice, but if you won’t be offended, I’ll make a suggestion.”
They exchanged glances, and then Emery said:
“We’ll listen to your suggestion, Billings.”
“Sure,” nodded Leyden. “We don’t have to accept it.”
“Certainly not,” said Walter quickly. “It’s rather unusual, I will admit; but why not get Merriwell to coach the varsity pitchers?”