“Technically, yes, I dare say. But I wonder if we can’t put the term ‘double play’ to a broader interpretation. It seems to me, now, that anyone who not only makes his own career successful but finds time to look after the welfare of his friend might very well be said to be making a double play. What do you say, Mr. Dyer?”
“Yes, sir, you’re right,” answered Tom with decision. “And that’s just what Dan’s done, as we all know.”
“Yes, and here is one who knows it better than the rest of us,” said Mr. Pennimore, with an affectionate look at Gerald.
Gerald smiled and glanced shyly at Dan.
“I know one time when he made a double play, and a bully one,” he affirmed amidst laughter. “And that was when I tried to make a ‘steal for home.’”
“And which,” added Mr. Pennimore, “unlike most ‘double plays,’ instead of resulting in a ‘put-out’ perhaps prevented one!”
And he chuckled quite as heartily as any one at his joke.
Here, then, let us leave them for a time, speeding home through the warm, amber glow of late afternoon, the wind in their faces and joy in their hearts, feeling as only boys can feel after a battle bravely fought and a victory well won.
THE END.