“But he has promised——”
“Put no dependence in the promises of such as he. I wouldn’t trust him, Dick.”
“He can do no particular harm in practice to-day. We’re not trying out any signal work. Let him cover first.”
“All right,” growled Jones.
So Lynch got his chance to practice. Although he was not in uniform, he stripped off coat and vest, rolled up his sleeves; and went at it in earnest. His work at first was of an order to cause some favorable comment from the spectators. Not a man in the infield entertained a friendly feeling toward Mike. For this reason, all sorts of erratic throws were sent over to him. The stops he made were simply marvelous. Time after time he stretched himself on the ground with his toe clinging to the sack and scooped the low ones. Again and again he leaped into the air and pulled down high ones which seemed far beyond his reach. Hot grounders and whistling liners he took whenever they came in his direction. Not only that, but his throwing to second and third and to the plate was little short of perfect.
“There’s the man to cover that hassock,” some one finally cried. “He’s needed.”
Jones, at work in the field, did not fail to notice what was happening, and began to regret that Lynch had been tried.
“If we don’t give him a show, there’ll be a fuss,” muttered Blessed. “Jerusalem! this old baseball team is worrying me to death.”
The report that Lynch had been tried on first reached the campus ahead of the players that night. It caused something of a sensation among the freshmen.
As soon as the news reached the ears of three fellows, they made haste to Mike’s room, seeking confirmation. Bern Wolfe came upon Ditson and Du Boise upon the steps, and the trio sailed in upon Lynch without announcement.