he manner in which McCarthy had betrayed his interest.

It was nearly noon when Swanson and McCarthy descended to the hotel
lobby in better frames of mind.

Manager Clancy, serious and worried, was talking with a gray-haired man
and a younger man. McCarthy observed them and grew uncomfortable under
their close scrutiny as the three turned toward him and focussed their
eyes upon him. He felt relieved when the smaller man shook his head
positively and was not surprised a moment later when Clancy came
forward toward him and said frankly:

"Forget it, Kohinoor. Case of mistaken identity." He grasped
McCarthy's hand and gave it a crunching grip as he added: "When you get
ready to tell me what you know I want to hear it."

The manager did not attempt any further apology, but McCarthy felt as
if a load had been lifted from his mind.

"I can't make any charges until I have proof," he replied steadily.
"If ever I can back up what I suspect, I'll tell you--first."

"Swanson explained partly," said the manager. "I understand. Get in
there to-day and hustle."

It was the final game of the trip and the Bears, with confidence
renewed, went into it determined to rush the attack and win quickly.
When the batting practice started McCarthy was surprised to find Lefty
Williams pitching to batters. He faced Williams and hit the first ball
hard and straight over second base. Williams was lobbing the ball
easily, as if warming up. Twice Clancy called to him to quit pitching
to batters, and he shouted back that his shoulder felt a little stiff
and he wanted to limber it up easily. McCarthy stepped to the plate
again. Up to that time Williams had not pitched a fast ball, but he
wound up quickly and flashed a fast-breaking ball straight at
McCarthy's head. The third baseman dropped flat and the ball, just
grazing the top of his head, carried away his cap. He knew Williams
had tried to hit him. He remembered his part in the deeper game he and
Swanson were playing, and he decided not to reveal the fact that he was
aware of Williams's intent. He leaped back into batters' position and
yelled:

"Keep that bean ball for the game. You'll need it."

He saw that Williams was white and shaken, and the next ball came
floating over the plate without speed. McCarthy swung at it, without
attempting to hit it. Another slow one floated over the plate and
again McCarthy made a burlesque swing, missing the ball a foot.
Williams flush