The Clippers did not appear to mind him in the least. They went to work, and, after watching them a little time, the stranger was evidently well satisfied. Bully Carson seemed to have difficulty in finding the plate. His infield gave him wretched support, making wild throws, and letting the ball tear through them.
His outfield did little better. On the whole, the stranger was anything but well impressed by the Clippers, and did not hesitate to say as much on the way back to town. Bully Carson agreed that they were in poor shape, but when the stranger had left him, he congratulated his team warmly.
“I guess that feller’s hooked,” he observed sagely, and hastened home.
After casual inquiries about town, John Smith found his way to where the team captained by Frank Merriwell, junior, was working out during the afternoon. As this was their first visitor, the Clippings displayed no little curiosity, seeing that he was a stranger to them, but he held aloof from the diamond.
“Who is he—one of the umpires?” inquired Frank.
“Search me,” returned Billy Mac. “He’s a new one in this burg.”
“It’s a scout for the Phil-l-ladel-l-lphia Ath-l-letics,” chirruped Chub Newton from second. “He’s l-l-lookin’ for recruits.”
“What’s that?” cried McCarthy excitedly, taking Chub seriously.
“Sure, he’s goin’ to sign you on, Dan,” grinned Spaulding.
McCarthy did not see the joke. He advanced to take his turn at batting, and, when Frank handed him a stiff inshoot, he fell on it and knocked the ball through Chub’s hands. Then Merry began teasing him, but he refused to bite, until he caught one on the nose and lined it out.