Weegman produced the document. Then, for a moment, he seemed to hesitate, flashing old Jack a look and giving Locke a hard stare.
“You understand the conditions?” he said, addressing the latter.
“Yes,” answered Lefty, “you made them plain enough for a child to understand when you talked to me in Fernandon.”
“Course he understands,” cut in Kennedy. “He told me, and I told him to grab on without makin’ no further talk. Just as you say, Weegman, with proper advice he can swing the thing. It looks pretty big to him, and he’s doubtful. Let him look at that paper.”
He took it from Weegman’s hand and looked it over himself. It was practically the same sort of an agreement old Jack had signed himself when he took control of the team, and the name of Charles Collier, properly witnessed, had already been affixed to it. With the contract in his possession, along with Collier’s power of attorney, Weegman could sign up any one he chose to manage the Blue Stockings. For a fleeting instant Kennedy’s face was twisted into an expression of rage, which, however, Collier’s private secretary did not catch.
Locke saw that flash of anger and understood; old Jack was playing the fox, and losing no time about it.
“Skullen will do for the other witness,” said Weegman, going to the room telephone. “He’ll feel bad, of course, but I told him he didn’t have a show in the world.” He called the operator and gave the number of a room.
While Weegman was engaged, Kennedy handed the agreement over to Locke. “You sign it just as it is,” he directed. “You’ve had your talk with Mr. Weegman, and you know what he said to you. You don’t have to chin it over any more.”
By this time Weegman had got Skullen on the phone and asked him to come round to Kennedy’s room, giving him the number. Locke sat grimly reading the contract until Skullen knocked at the door.
“Maybe you’ll feel bad, Mit,” said Weegman, admitting the man, “but you know I told you there wasn’t a show in the world of me signing you up as manager. It’s settled with Locke, and I want you to witness him put his autograph to the paper. Now don’t make a growl, but do as you’re wanted.”