nd cunning! But
I'll hand them a few tricks before I lose. My first move will be to
give Henderson his release."

I left Milly, as always, once more able to make light of
discouragements and difficulties.

Monday I gave Henderson his unconditional release. He celebrated the
occasion by verifying certain rumors I had heard from other managers.
He got drunk. But he did not leave town, and I heard that he was
negotiating with Providence for a place on that team.

Radbourne pitched one of his gilt-edged games that afternoon against
Hartford and we won. And Milly sat in the grand stand, having contrived
by cleverness to get a seat next to Nan Brown. Milly and I were
playing a vastly deeper game than baseball--a game with hearts. But we
were playing it with honest motive, for the good of all concerned, we
believed, and on the square. I sneaked a look now and then up into the
grand stand. Milly and Nan appeared to be getting on famously. It was
certain that Nan was flushed and excited, no doubt consciously proud of
being seen with my affianced. After the game I chanced to meet them on
their way out. Milly winked at me, which was her sign that all was
working beautifully.

I hunted up the Rube and bundled him off to the hotel to take dinner
with me. At first he was glum, but after a while he brightened up
somewhat to my persistent cheer and friendliness. Then we went out on
the hotel balcony to smoke, and there I made my play.

"Whit, I'm pulling a stroke for you. Now listen and don't be offended.
I know what's put you off your feed, because I was the same way when
Milly had me guessing. You've lost your head over Nan Brown. That's
not so terrible, though I daresay you think it's a catastrophe.
Because you've quit. You've shown a yellow streak. You've lain down.

"My boy, that isn't the way to win a girl. You've got to scrap. Milly
told me yesterday how she had watched your love affairs with Nan, and
how she thought you had given up just when things might have come your
way. Nan is a little flirt, but she's all right. What's more, she was
getting fond of you. Nan is meanest to the man she likes best. The
way to handle her, Whit, is to master her. Play high and mighty. Get
tragical. Then grab her up in your arms. I tell you, Whit, it'll all
come your way if you only keep your nerve. I'm your friend and so is
Milly. We're going out to her house presently--and Nan will be there."

The Rube drew a l