“Recognize him? I should say not. I’m not in the habit of——”
“Easy, old man. Would you be surprised if I told you that many times you’ve taken your hat off to that same tramp, and cheered him until you were hoarse?”
“Get out!”
“It’s a fact.”
“Who is he?”
“I don’t know who he is now—not much, to judge by his looks; but that’s old Pop Dutton, who, in his day, was one of the best pitchers Boston ever owned. He was a wonder!”
“Is that Pop Dutton?”
“That’s the wreck of him!”
“How have the mighty fallen,” was the whispered comment. “Poor old Pop! Indeed, many a time I have taken my hat off to him! He sure was a wonder. What caused his downfall?”
“Bad companions—that and—drink.”