The general manager wrinkled his brows dubiously.
“I appreciate what you are trying to do, and the generous motive back of it,” said he; “but is it wise to arouse discontent and pave the way for a possible defeat? I’m putting the thing up to you frankly.”
“I’ll tell you just as frankly, Mr. Bradlaugh,” said Merry, with spirit, “that I don’t see why there should be any discontent. Let’s go ahead with Lenning until we see what happens, anyhow.”
The general manager nodded, still dubious, but content to leave the matter in Merry’s hands. He studied the rest of the list.
“With the probable exception of Lenning,” he reported, “I think you have made wise selections. I’ll arrange to give Mexican Joe a three days’ vacation. He’s a wonder as a backstop. Brad, of course, will be delighted. If Lenning plays, I’ll have Burke lighten his duties at the cyanide works. Perhaps you’d better go out to the mine and see Joe personally?”
“Thank you, Mr. Bradlaugh; I had thought of that. And when I see Mexican Joe, I’ll also talk with Lenning.”
The general manager nodded. “My car’s in front,” said he, “and I have nothing pressing for the rest of the afternoon. I’ll take you out to the mine.”
As Mr. Bradlaugh pulled down the roll top of his desk, preparatory to leaving, Frank noticed that his face wore a troubled look. Was it, he asked himself, because he had selected Lenning for one of his players? It hardly seemed possible that so small a matter could affect the general manager so seriously.