“That’s just what I’m giving you a chance to make,” the pitcher fairly sneered. “You can fill my place any time you like.”
“But I’m not going to,” and though Darrell spoke pleasantly there was a sternness in his words. “Fellows, it’s like this,” he went on. “The Silver Stars are a good team and you know it. So does every one in this town, but the last two games we’ve played in hard luck, and——”
“Do you mean to say it was my pitching?” demanded Sam.
“No more than it was the way we all played. As I said, we’ve got to take a brace. I don’t know what’s gotten into you, Sam, to say you’ll resign if Joe Matson plays. What have you against him?”
“Well, I hate to see a newcomer made so much of. Here we fellows have worked hard all season, and——”
“And you’re going to work hard the rest of the season!” exclaimed Darrell. “Let me tell you that! I’m not going to hear any more talk of resignations, and this bickering has got to stop. Otherwise we’ll be the laughing stock of the county. You all played pretty well to-day, but you all need to do better.”
“All but Matson; I suppose he’s the star,” sneered Sam.
“Look here,” burst out Joe, unable to stand the taunts of the pitcher any longer, “if you think——”
“Now, go easy,” advised Darrell with a smile. “I’m giving this little lecture. I give Matson due credit for one of the three runs we got,” he went on, “but that’s not saying that he didn’t make errors. We all did.