uple
myself, so I know what they pay. Well, what have you to suggest, Mr.
Baldwin? We're having a hard time winning this race, and if I seemed
curt, blame it on worries. I have plenty."

"Naturally we all want to win," said Baldwin pompously. "Now, as to
behavior, I'm told Swanson and Kennedy aren't behaving themselves."

"They're all right," argued Clancy, feeling from Baldwin's tone that he
had not yet reached the point.

"I heard they had a fight in a barroom." Baldwin spoke with an effort
of sternness. "That won't do, Clancy. And now McCarthy is missing.
Then there's another thing."

Baldwin hesitated as if thinking how best to state his case, and Clancy
eyed him closely, feeling that the real object of the interview was
coming, "I'm not at all pleased with the way you are working your
pitchers."

"A fellow makes blunders sometimes," replied Clancy, with a meekness
astounding in him.

"That's what I wanted to talk to you about," went on Baldwin blandly.
"Who do you propose pitching to-day and to-morrow?"

In a flash Clancy understood. It was Baldwin who had been urging
Bannard to have Williams pitch. He saw through Baldwin's motives and
planned quickly how to meet them.

"Well," he said, frowning as if worried, "it's a tough game. You see,
the fans never forgive a fellow if he guesses wrong at this time in a
race. I planned to use Williams in one game and Morgan the other. You
see the Blues hit right-handers harder than they do left-handers."

"So I understand," a gleam of cunning and triumph came into the eyes of
the politician. "Morgan and Williams ought to beat them, I think."

"Yes, they ought--I'm a little afraid of Morgan." Clancy was drawing
the owner out. "He hasn't shown speed in his last two games."

"Then Williams is in fine form?" The triumph and satisfaction in the
big man's voice were unmistakable.

"He's good," replied Clancy. "He ought to best them sure."

"Will you pitch him to-day or to-morrow?" asked Baldwin, completely
thrown off his guard. "I'm anxious to make certain he will pitch."

"Of course he'll pitch, Mr. Baldwin," replied the manager. "I've got
to pitch him and he's my best man."

"All right, Clancy, all right," said the owner genially. "I'm glad I
had this conference with you. I was afraid you were angry with
Williams or something and would not let him work. Glad to see you have
good judgment."

He went out and as the door closed he removed his h