"Good morning, Bill," he said. "You're out early. I wanted to see you."
"Had some business downtown and went out an hour or so ago," replied the manager. "What's the woe?"
"Who's going to pitch to-day?" asked the president.
"I don't know. I never decide in advance," responded the manager carelessly. "Guess it will be either Wilcox or Williams—whichever one looks best warming up."
"If it's all the same to you," said the president diplomatically, "I wish you'd let Williams work."
"Why?" demanded Clancy, on the defensive in an instant.
"It's this way, Bill," explained the president. "You know I don't own this club. I've got most of my money in it, but another fellow has control of the stock. He is going to the game and he asked me to let Williams pitch, as he never has seen him work."
"Williams hasn't been very steady in his last three games," remarked the manager thoughtfully. "I don't want to risk this pennant to please anyone, no matter if he owns the whole league."
"Well, you said yourself that your choice was between Williams and Wilcox, so I can't see it makes any difference."
"You know I don't like to announce pitchers ahead of time," said the manager.