"Take hold of the crew yourself."
"And oust Horrors?"
"Can't be two captains in one boat."
"No," Kingdon said with seriousness. "Verily I itch for the chance to whip the crew up. I believe it can be bettered by shifting some of them about, too. But I fear, Jawn—I fear!"
"Fear what?" grunted his friend.
"Of losing all I've gained."
"What the dickens have you gained?"
"I've gained something with Horrors. Notice the figure he cuts on the mound now?"
"And is that the price he's paying for his job as captain of the crew?" demanded Midkiff scornfully.
"Whether he's voluntarily and knowingly paying such price," Kingdon rejoined evenly, "doesn't really matter, does it, Jawn? I've got him about where I want him in baseball. Got him interested. I'd hold him if I can, and the rest of you fellows must help me."