He motioned his visitors to seats near by, taking his own in the revolving chair before his writing materials.
The green light brought out his angular features with uncompromising frankness, giving him the appearance of some inquisitor of old about to interrogate an unwilling subject.
"Mr. Steele," he jerked out sharply, after his stern gaze had rested on their features for a moment, "what is the matter with the ball nine?"
"WHAT IS THE MATTER WITH THE BALL NINE?"
"It has not shown its true worth yet," answered Steele, calmly.
"Why so? You have played four games, and each time met defeat." His eyes shifted to Bob Somers. "It is not what I expected. You understand, of course, that in order to gain the field the nine must make a good showing—a very good showing?"
"Yes, sir; we understand," said Steele.