“I said Lenning would be in the outfield,” he remarked.
“Oh!” Handy grunted. That was all, but if ever a monosyllable shook its rattles and got ready to strike that one did.
The nature of Lin Reckless belied his name. He was canny, and just at that moment realized the value of holding himself in check. He had both balls, and he began juggling them with one hand, and whistling softly.
“I reckon I might as well tune up my bazoo and go on record right here, Chip,” said Blunt. “You ought to know, by now, that I never walk around a ten-acre lot in order to call a spade an agricultural implement. I’m not going to do it now. I’d hate myself for a month of blue moons if I ever played ball with a snake in the grass like Jode Lenning. Instead of leaving Reckless on the bench, you can put him in the outfield. Lenning will have his hands full looking after that job you got for him, if I’m any prophet.”
It was a barbed shaft, and Lenning squirmed when it struck him. His face went white on the instant.
Frank’s face was almost as white as Lenning’s. With a quick move he placed himself alongside the lad under discussion. Before he could speak, Handy broke in.
“Blunt’s got it about right, Chip,” said he. “I don’t want to hurt Lenning’s feelings, or put you in any sort of hole, but I can’t see why you should expect us fellows to play ball with Lenning.”
“I expect you to have some consideration for me,” said Frank hotly, “even if you haven’t any for Lenning. He’s here by my invitation. I have asked him, just as I asked you, to help make up the nine. If you don’t want a team, and don’t care for a game with Gold Hill, say so here and now, and we’ll declare it off.”
Merriwell resented, with all the force of his nature, these flings at Lenning. He felt that his anger was getting beyond control, and he was glad that Mr. Bradlaugh took a hand in the matter at that moment.
“You ought to know better than to talk that way, Blunt,” said Mr. Bradlaugh sharply. “And you, too, Handy. Merriwell is getting the team together, and you ought to have enough confidence in him to approve of whatever he does.”