Neither of them had observed that Swanson and Norton had drawn aside to permit the girl who had been in the writing room to pass on her way to the elevator. Evidently she overheard the youth's inquiry, for she hesitated just as Williams laughed in an ugly manner and said:
"If you don't know him you'd better peddle yourself somewhere else. He won't be in a mood to talk to hoboes to-night."
Before the slender youth could speak, the girl stepped forward and said quietly:
"Pardon me, but I overheard you inquiring for Manager Clancy. He is in the writing room."
Her brown eyes flashed with anger, her lips were set tight and her sun-browned cheeks flushed as she passed quickly on toward the elevator, not waiting to respond to the thanks of the slender youth, who had removed his hat quickly to utter his gratitude. Then, turning toward Williams, who stood flushed and angry, his blue eyes narrowed and he said:
"Just for that, I'll kick you on the shins in the club house and dare you to fight."
"What? You will, huh?" spluttered the astounded pitcher.
He would have said more, but before he could recover, the newcomer, smiling oddly, turned and walked toward the writing room and held out his hand to the famous Clancy, for six years leader of the Bears.
The slender youth stood with extended hand while Manager Clancy gazed up from his writing.
"Mr. Clancy?" he asked, smiling.