“He’s a prince,” assented Jim. “A finer fellow never trod in shoe leather. I owe an awful lot to him, Miss Matson. I was feeling as forlorn as only a ‘rookie’ can feel when I broke into the big league, but he took me up at once and we’ve been like brothers ever since.”
“He’s often spoken of you in his letters home,” replied Clara. “I’d tell you what he said of you, only it would make you too conceited.”
“And he’s raved to me about that sister of his,” said Jim. “He’s done more than that. He’s shown me your picture. I’ve been tempted more than once to steal it from him.”
“What a desperate criminal,” laughed Clara, her cheeks growing pink.
“I think any jury would justify me if they once saw the picture,” replied Jim, gallantly, “and they certainly would if they caught sight of the original.”
From this it can be seen that these young folks were fast becoming very friendly.
“It has been the dream of my life to see New York and Boston,” observed Clara.
“Is that so?” said Jim, eagerly. “I know both of them like a book. You must let me show you around.”
“That’s very nice of you,” said Clara, demurely. “But I suppose Joe will want——”
“Oh, of course,” said Jim. “But Joe will be so busy you know with the games. He’ll be under a big strain, while I’ll probably have plenty of time. I’m only a sort of fifth wheel to the coach, while Joe’s the whole thing. And then, too, Joe’s already got Mabel, and it isn’t fair that he should have two lovely girls while I’m left out in the cold. You really must take pity on me.”