“Yes, but somehow I can’t do it. I seem to have lost the knack. I’m sure I made it curve a few days ago.”
“Let me show you how,” Larry volunteered, springing to his feet and running forward, unable longer to resist the impulse to play. “Come on Katty. Catch a few minutes and we’ll show them how.”
He took the ball and explained to the tall youth the proper manner of gripping it for the different curves, and the method of releasing it from the hand.
“For the real curve—the fast breaking one that darts down and out—let it go this way,” he said, hooking his arm in a wide swing, that ended with a sudden snap of the wrist that sent the ball darting down and outward into Katsura’s hands.
“Now watch him,” he remarked, as Katsura lazily floated a slow twisting curve back at him.
“I can’t do much until my arm warms up,” said Larry. “Must start easy. I was foolish to throw that curve first, but couldn’t resist the temptation.”
For five minutes he explained and demonstrated, showing the tall youth little tricks and motions, until finally the slender boy sent a curve to Katsura.
Both Larry and Katsura were warmed, and as their muscles unlimbered they entered into the spirit of the sport, and instead of retiring to their seats on the grass, they continued throwing and catching with vast enthusiasm, while the two candidates watched them with respectful admiration and accepted their advice.
“Oh you Katty,” cried Larry. “That curve certainly is better. You ought not waste it. That slow curve twists more, I believe.”
“I am stronger,” called Katsura, “and my hand grip is more powerful.”