``Con，how’dyoulikethatdrive？’’heaskedme，withabrightgleaminhiseyes。
``O—h—！——abeaut！’’Ireplied，incoherently。TheplayersonthebenchwereallasgladasIwas。
Henleyflewouttoleft。Mullaneysmashedatwo—
baggertoright。ThenGregghitsafely，butMullaney，intryingtoscoreontheplay，wasoutattheplate。
``Fourhits！Itellyoufellows，something’scomingoff，’’saidRaddy。``Now，ifonlyRube————’’
Whatadifferencetherewasinthatlongrustic！
Hestalkedintothebox，unmindfulofthehootingcrowdandgrimlyfacedSchultz，thefirstbatterupfortheBisons。ThistimeRubewasdeliberate。
Andwherehehadnotswungbeforehenowgothisbodyandarmintofullmotion。Theballcameinlikeaglintoflight。Schultzlookedsurprised。Theumpirecalled``Strike！’’
``Wow！’’yelledtheBuffalocoacher。RubespedupthesidewheelerandSchultzreachedwidetomeetitandfailed。Thethirdwasthelightningdrop，straightovertheplate。Thebatterpokedweaklyatit。ThenCarlstruckoutandManningfollowing，didlikewise。ThreeofthebesthittersintheEasternretiredonninestrikes！Thatwasnofluke。Iknewwhatitmeant，andIsattherehuggingmyselfwiththehumofsomethingjoyousinmyears。
Gregghadaglowonhissweatyface。``Oh，butsay，boys，takeatipfromme！TheRube’saworldbeater！Raddyknewit;hesizedupthatswing，andnowIknowit。Getwise，youits！’’
WhenoldSpearspastedasinglethroughshortstop，theBuffalomanagertookClaryoutoftheboxandputinVane，theirbestpitcher。Bogartadvancedtherunnertosecond，butwasthrownoutontheplay。ThenRubecameup。HeswungahugebatandloomedovertheBison’stwirler。
Rubehadthelookofahitter。Heseemedtobeholdinghimselfbackfromwalkingrightintotheball。Andhehitonehighandfaraway。ThefastCarlcouldnotgetunderit，thoughhemadeavalianteffort。SpearsscoredandRube’slongstridescarriedhimtothird。Thecoldcrowdinthestandscametolife;eventhesorebleachersopenedup。McCalldumpedaslowteaserdowntheline，ahitthatwouldeasilyhavescoredRube，butheranalittleway，thenstopped，triedtogetback，andwaseasilytouchedout。Ashwell’shardchancegavetheBison’sshortstopanerror，andStringercameupwithtwomenonbases。Stringerhitafoulovertheright—fieldfenceandthecrowdhowled。Thenhehitahardlongdrivestraightintothecenterfielder’shands。
``Con，Idon’tknowwhattothink，butdingmeifweain’thittin’theball，’’saidSpears。Thentohisplayers：``Alittlemoreofthatandwe’rebackinouroldshape。Allinaminute——at’emnow！Rube，youdingedoldPogie，pitch！’’
Rubetoedtherubber，wrappedhislongbrownfingersroundtheball，steppedoutasheswungand——zing！ThatinningheunloosedafewmorekinksinhisarmandhetriedsomenewballsupontheBisons。Butwhateverheusedandwhereverheputthemtheresultwasthesame——theycuttheplateandtheBisonswerepowerless。
Thatinningmarkedthechangeinmyteam。
Theyhadcomehack。Thehoodoohadvanished。
ThechampionshipWorcesterteamwasitselfagain。
TheBisonswerefighting，too，butRubehadthemhelpless。Whentheydidhitaballoneofmyinfielderssnappeditup。Nochanceswenttotheoutfield。Isattherelisteningtomymen，andreveledinamomentthatIhadlongprayedfor。
``Nowyou’repitchingsome，Rube。Anotherstrike！Gethimaboard！’’calledAshwell。
``Ding’em，Rube，ding’em！’’camefromCapt。
Spears。
``Speed？Oh—no！’’yelledBogartatthirdbase。
``It’salloff，Rube！It’salloff——alloff！’’
So，withthewonderfulpitchingofanangryrube，theWorcesterteamcameintoitsownagain。Isatthroughitallwithoutanotherword;
withoutgivingasignal。InawayIrealizedtheawakeningofthebleachers，andheardthepoundoffeetandthecrash，butitwasthespiritofmyteamthatthrilledme。Nexttothattheworkofmynewfindabsorbedme。Igloatedoverhiseasy，deceivingswing。Iroseoutofmyseatwhenhethrewthatstraightfastball，swiftasabullet，trueasaplumbline。Andwhenthosehard—hitting，surebuntingBisonschoppedinvainatthewonderfuldrop，Ichokedbackawildyell。ForRubemeanttheworldtomethatday。
Intheeighththescorewas8to6。TheBisonshadonescratchhittotheircredit，butnotarunnerhadgotbeyondfirstbase。AgainRubeheldthemsafely，onemanstrikingout，anotherfoulingout，andthethirdgoingoutonalittlefly。
Crash！Crash！Crash！Crash！Thebleachersweremakingupformanygamesinwhichtheycouldnotexpresstheirriotousfeelings。
``It’sacinchwe’llwin！’’yelledafanwithavoice。Rubewasthefirstmanupinourhalfoftheninthandhisbigbatlammedthefirstballsafeoversecondbase。Thecrowd，hungryforvictory，gottotheirfeetandstayedupontheirfeet，calling，cheeringforruns。Itwasthemomentformetogetinthegame，andIleapedup，strunglikeawire，andwhitehotwithinspiration。
IsentSpearstothecoachingboxwithorderstomakeRuberunonthefirstball。I
grippedMcCallwithhandsthatmadehimwince。
ThenIdroppedbackonthebenchspentandpanting。Itwasonlyagame，yetitmeantsomuch！LittleMcCallwasdarkasathundercloud，andhisfieryeyessnapped。Hewasthefastestmanintheleague，andcouldhavebuntedanarrowfromabow。ThefoxyBisonthirdbasemanedgedin。Macfeintedtobunttowardhimthenturnedhisbatinwardanddumpedateasingcurvingballdownthefirstbaseline。Ruberanasifinseven—leagueboots。Mac’sshortlegstwinkled;hewentlikethewind;heleapedintofirstbasewithhislongslide，andbeatthethrow。
Thestandsandbleachersseemedtobetumblingdown。Foramomenttheairwasfullofdeafeningsound。Thencamethepause，thedyingawayofclatterandroar，theclosewaiting，suspendedquiet。Spears’clearvoice，ashecoachedRube，initskeennoteseemedinevitableofanotherrun。
Ashwelltookhisstand。Hewasanotherleft—
handhitter，andagainstaright—handpitcher，insuchcircumstancesasthese，themostdangerousofmen。Vaneknewit。Ellis，theBisoncaptainknewit，asshowedplainlyinhissignaltocatchRubeatsecond。ButSpears’warningheldorfrightenedRubeonthebag。
Vanewastedaball，thenanother。Ashwellcouldnotbecoaxed。WearilyVaneswung;theshortstopracedouttogetinlineforapossiblehitthroughthewidespacetohisright，andthesecondbasemangotonhistoesasbothbaserunnersstarted。
Crack！Theoldstoryofthehitandrungame！
Ashwell’shitcrossedsharplywhereamomentbeforetheshortstophadbeenstanding。WithgiganticstridesRuberoundedthecornerandscored。McCallflittedthroughsecond，anddivingintothirdwithacloudofdust，gottheumpire’sdecision。WhenStringerhurriedupwithMaconthirdandAshonfirstthewholefieldseemedrackedinadeafeningstorm。Againitsubsidedquickly。ThehopesoftheWorcesterfanshadbeencrushedtoooftenoflateforthemtobefearless。
ButIhadnofear。Ionlywantedthesuspenseended。Iwaslikeamanclampedinavise。
Stringerstoodmotionless。Macbentlowwiththesprinters’stoop;Ashwatchedthepitcher’sarmandslowlyedgedofffirst。Stringerwaitedforonestrikeandtwoballs，thenhehitthenext。Ithuggedthefirstbaseline，bouncedfiercelypastthebagandskippedoverthegrasstobumphardintothefence。McCallrompedhome，andlameAshwellbeatanyrunheevermadetotheplate。
Rolling，swelling，crashingroaroffrenziedfeetcouldnotdownthehighpiercingsustainedyellofthefans。Itwasgreat。Threeweeksofsubmergedbottledbaseballjoyexplodedinonemadoutburst！Thefans，too，hadcomeintotheirownagain。
Wescorednomore。ButtheBisonswerebeaten。Theirspiritwasbroken。ThisdidnotmaketheRubeletupintheirlasthalfinning。
Grimandpalehefacedthem。Ateverylongstepandswinghetossedhisshockoflighthair。Attheendhewasevenstrongerthanatthebeginning。
Hestillhadtheglancing，floatingairyqualitythatbaseballplayerscallspeed。Andhestruckoutthelastthreebatters。
InthetumultthatburstovermyearsIsatstaringatthedotsonmyscorecard。Fourteenstrikeouts！onescratchhit！Nobaseonballssincethefirstinning！Thattoldthestorywhichdeadenedsensesdoubted。Therewasaroarinmyears。Someonewaspoundingme。AsIstruggledtogetintothedressingroomthecrowdmobbedme。ButIdidnothearwhattheyyelled。
Ihadakindofmistyveilbeforemyeyes，inwhichIsawthatlankyRubemagnifiedintoagloriousfigure。Isawthepennantwaving，andthegleamofawhitecottagethroughthetrees，andatrimfigurewaitingatthegate。ThenI
rolledintothedressingroom。
Somehowitseemedstrangetome。Mostoftheplayerswerestretchedoutinpeculiarconvulsions。
OldSpearssatwithdroopinghead。Thenawildflaming—eyedgiantswoopeduponme。Withavoiceofthunderheannounced：
``I’ma—goin’tolickyou，too！’’
AfterthatwenevercalledhimanynameexceptRube。
THERUBE’SPENNANT
``Fellows，it’sthisway。You’vegottowintoday’sgame。It’sthelastoftheseasonandmeansthepennantforWorcester。Onemorehardscrapandwe’redone！Ofalltheup—hillfightsanybunchevermadetolandtheflag，ourhasbeenthebest。You’rethebestteamIevermanaged，thegamestgangofballplayersthateversteppedinspikes。We’veplayedinthehardestkindofluckallseason，exceptthatshorttripwecalledtheRube’sHoneymoon。Wegotabadstart，andsorearmsandbustedfingers，allkindsofinjuries，everyaccidentcalculatedtohurtateam’schances，cameourway。Butinspiteofitallwegottheleadandwe’veheldit，andtodaywe’restillafewpointsaheadofBuffalo。’’
Ipausedtocatchmybreath，andlookedroundonthegrim，tiredfacesofmyplayers。Theymadeasterngroup。Thecloseoftheseasonfoundthemalmostplayedout。Whatahardchanceitwas，aftertheirextraordinaryefforts，tobringtheissueofthepennantdowntothislastgame！
``Ifwelosetoday，Buffalo，withthreegamesmoretoplayathome，willpullthebunting，’’I
wenton。``Butthey’renotgoingtowin！I’mputtingituptoyouthatway。IknowSpearsisallin;Raddy’sarmisgone;Ashisplayingononeleg;you’reallcrippled。Butyou’vegotonemoregameinyou，Iknow。TheselastfewweekstheRubehasbeenpitchingoutofturnandhe’saboutallin，too。He’skeptusinthelead。Ifhewinstodayit’llbeRube’sPennant。Butthatmightapplytoallofyou。Now，shallwetalkovertheplaytoday？Anytrickstopulloff？Anyinsidework？’’
``Con，you’reprettymuchupsetan’nervous，’’
repliedSpears，soberly。``Itain’tnowonder。
Thishasbeenonecorkerofaseason。Iwanttosuggestthatyouletmeruntheteamtoday。I’vetalkedovertheplaywiththefellers。Weain’tgoin’tolosethisgame，Con。Buffalohasbeencomin’witharushlately，an’they’reconfident。
Butwe’vebeenholdin’in，restin’upasmuchaswedaredan’stillkeepourlead。Mebbeeit’llsurpriseyoutoknowwe’vebeteverydollarwecouldgetholdofonthisgame。Why，Buffalomoneyiseverywhere。’’
``Allright，Spears，I’llturntheteamovertoyou。We’vegotthebannercrowdoftheyearoutthererightnow，agreatcrowdtoplaybefore。
I’mmorefussedupoverthisgamethananyI
remember。ButIhaveasortofblindfaithinmyteam……Iguessthat’sallIwanttosay。’’
SpearsledthesilentplayersoutofthedressingroomandIfollowed;andwhiletheybegantotossballstoandfro，tolimberupcold，deadarms，Isatonthebench。
TheBisonswereprancingaboutthediamond，andtheirswaggeringassurancewasnotconducivetohopefortheWorcesters。Iwonderedhowmanyofthatvast，noisyaudience，intentontheday’ssport，evenhadathoughtofwhatpainandtoilitmeanttomyplayers。TheBuffalomenwereingoodshape;theyhadbeenlucky;theywereatthetopoftheirstride，andthatmadeallthedifference。
Atanyrate，therewereafewfaithfullittlewomeninthegrandstand——MillyandNanandRoseStringerandKateBogart——whosatwithcompressedlipsandhopedandprayedforthatgametobeginandend。
Thegongcalledoffthepractice，andSpears，takingthefield，yelledgruffencouragementtohismen。UmpireCarterbrushedofftheplateandtossedawhiteballtoRubeandcalled：``Play！’’
Thebleacherssetupanexultant，satisfiedshoutandsatdowntowait。
SchultztoedtheplateandwatchedtheRubepitchacouple。Thereseemedtobenodiminutionofthegreatpitcher’sspeedandbothballscuttheplate。Schultzclippedthenextonedownthethird—
baseLine。Bogarttrappeditclosetothebag，andgotitawayunderhand，beatingthespeedyrunnerbyanose。Itwasaprettyplaytostartwith，andthespectatorswerenotclose—mouthedinappreciation。Theshort，stockyCarlambleduptobat，andIheardhimcalltheRubesomething。Itwasnotafriendlycontest，thisdecidinggamebetweenBuffaloandWorcester。
``Bingoneclosetohisswellednut！’’growledSpearstotheRube。
CarlchoppedabouncinggrounderthroughshortandAshwasafteritlikeatiger，butitwasahit。TheBuffalocontingentopenedup。ThenManningfacedtheRube，andhe，too，ventedsarcasm。Itmightnothavebeenheardbytheslow，imperturbablepitcherforallthenoticehetook。
Carledgedofffirst，slidbacktwice，gotathirdstart，andontheRube’spitchwasoffforsecondbasewiththeleadthatalwaysmadehimdangerous。
Manningswungvainly，andGreggsnappedathrowtoMullaney。Ballandrunnergottothebagapparentlysimultaneously;theumpirecalledCarlout，andthecrowdutteredaquickroarofdelight。
ThenextpitchtoManningwasastrike。Rubewasnotwastinganyballs，apointInotedwithmingledfearandsatisfaction。Forhemighthavefeltthathehadnostrengthtosparethatdayandsocouldnottrytoworkthebatters。Againheswung，andManningrappedalonglineflyoverMcCall。Asthelittleleftfielderturnedatthesoundofthehitandsprintedout，hislamenesswascertainlynotinevidence。Hewastheswiftestrunnerintheleagueandalwayswhenhegotgoingthecrowdroseinwildclamortowatchhim。
Mactookthatflyrightoffthefoulflagindeepleft，andthebleachersdinnedtheirpleasure。
Theteamschangedpositions。``Fellers，’’saidSpears，savagely，``wemaybeabunged—uplotofstiffs，but，say！Wecanhit！Ifyouloveyouroldcaptain——stingtheball！’’
Vane，theBisonpitcher，surelyhadhisworkcutoutforhim。ForonesympatheticmomentI
sawhispartthroughhiseyes。MyWorcesterveterans，longusedtobeingunderfire，wererelentlesslybentontakingthatgame。Itshowedinmanyways，particularlyintheirsilence，becausetheywereseldomasilentteam。McCallhesitatedamomentoverhisbats。Then，ashepickedupthelightestone，Isawhisjawset，andIknewheintendedtobunt。Hewaslame，yethemeanttobeatoutaninfieldhit。Hewentupscowling。
Vanehadanoldhead，andhehadavariedassortmentofballs。ForMacheusedanunderhandcurve，risingattheplateandcurvingintotheleft—hander。Macsteppedbackandletitgo。
``That’stheplace，Bo，’’criedtheBuffaloinfielders。``Keep’emcloseontheCrab。’’EagerandfierceasMcCallwas，heletpitchafterpitchgobytillhehadthreeballsandtwostrikes。StilltheheadyVanesentupanotherpitchsimilartotheothers。Macsteppedforwardinthebox，droppedhisbatontheball，andleapeddownthelinetowardfirstbase。Vanecamerushinginforthebunt，gotitandthrew。Butasthespeedingballnearedthebaseman，Macstretchedoutintotheairandshotforthebag。Byafractionofasecondhebeattheball。Itwasoneofhisdemon—
slides。Heknewthatthechancesfavoredhisbeingcrippled;weallknewthatsomedayMacwouldsliderecklesslyoncetoooften。Butthat，too，isallinthegameandinthespiritofagreatplayer。
``We’reon，’’saidSpears;``nowkeepwithhim。’’
BythatthecaptainmeantthatMacwouldgodown，andAshwellwouldhitwiththerun。
WhenVanepitched，littleMcCallwasflittingtowardsecond。TheBisonshortstopstartedforthebag，andAshhitsquarethroughhistracks。
Arollingcheerburstfromthebleachers，andswelledtillMcCalloverranthirdbaseandwasthrownbackbythecoacher。Stringerhurriedforwardwithhisbigbat。
``Oh！My！’’yelledafan，andhevoicedmysentimentsexactly。Herewewouldscore，andbeonerunclosertothatdearlyboughtpennant。
Howwellmymenworkedtogether！Asthepitcherlettheballgo，AshwasdiggingforsecondandMacwasshootingplateward。TheyplayedonthechanceofStringer’shitting。
Stringerswung，thebatcracked，weheardathudsomewhere，andthenManning，halfknockedover，wasfumblingfortheball。Hehadknockeddownaterrificdrivewithhismitt，andhegottheballintimetoputStringerout。ButMacscoredandAshdrewathrowtothirdbaseandbeatit。Hehadabadankle，butnoonenoticeditinthatdaringrun。
``Watchmepasteone！’’saidCaptainSpears，ashespatseveralyards。Hebattedoutaflysolongandhighandfarthat，slowashewas，hehadnearlyruntosecondbasewhenCarlmadethecatch。Asheasilyscoredonthethrow—in。ThenBogartsentoneskippingoversecond，andTreadwell，scoopingitontherun，completedaplaythatshowedwhyhewasconsideredthestaroftheBisoninfield。
``Tworuns，fellers！’’saidSpears。``That’ssome！Push’emover，Rube。’’
Thesecondinningsomewhatquickenedthepace。EventheRubeworkedalittlefaster。EllislinedtoCairnsinright;Treadwellfouledtwoballsandhadacalledstrike，andwasout;McKnighthitalowflyovershort，thenBudWilersentonebetweenSpearsandMullaney。SpearswentforitwhiletheRubewithgiantstridesrantocoverfirstbase。BetweenthemtheygotBud，butitwasonlybecausehewasheavyandslowonhisfeet。
InourhalfofthatinningMullaney，GreggandCairnswentoutinone，two，threeorder。
WithPannellup，IsawthattheRubeheldinonhisspeed，orelsehewastiring。Pannellhitthesecondslowballfortwobases。Vanesacrificed，andthentheredoubtableSchultzcameup。
Heappearedtobeinnohurrytobat。ThenI
sawthatthefoxyBuffaloplayerswereworkingtotiretheRube。Theyhadthesituationfigured。
ButtheywerenowiserthanoldSpears。
``Make’emhit，Rube。Push’emstraightover。
Nevermindthecorners。Wedon’tcareforafewruns。We’llhitthisgameout。’’
ShultzfliedtoMac，whomadeabeautifulthrowtotheplatetoolatetocatchPannell。CarldeliberatelybuntedtotherightoftheRubeanditcostthebigpitcherstrenuousefforttocatchhisman。
``WegottheRubewaggin’！’’yelledaBuffaloplayer。
Manningtripleddowntheleftfoulline——ahitthebleacherscalledascreamer。WhenElliscameup，itlookedlikeatiescore，andwhentheRubepitcheditwasplainthathewastired。TheBisonsyelledtheirassuranceofthisandtheaudiencesettledintoquiet。Ellisbattedascorcherthatlookedgoodforahit。ButthefastAshwellwasmovingwiththeball，andheplungedlengthwisetogetitsquareinhisglove。Thehithadbeensosharpthathehadtimetogetupandmakethethrowtobeattherunner。Thebleachersthunderedattheplay。
``You’reup，Rube，’’calledSpears。``Lamoneoutofthelot！’’
TheRubewasanuncertainbatter。Therewasneveranytellingwhathemightdo，forhehadspellsofgoodandbadhitting。Butwhenhedidgethisbatontheballitmeantachaseforsomefielder。Hewentupswinginghishugeclub，andhehitaflythatwouldhavebeenaneasyhomerunforafastman。ButthebestRubecoulddowastoreachthirdbase。Thiswascertainlygoodenough，asthebleachersloudlyproclaimed，andanothertallyforusseemedsure。
McCallbuntedtowardthird，anotherofhisteasers。TheRubewouldsurelyhavescoredhadhestartedwiththeball，buthedidnottryandmissedachance。Wiler，ofcourse，heldtheball，andMacgottofirstwithoutspecialeffort。Hewentdownonthefirstpitch。ThenAshlinedtoCarl。TheRubewaitedtilltheballwascaughtandstartedforhome。Thecrowdscreamed，theRuberanforallhewasworthandCarl’sthrowtotheplateshotinlowandtrue。EllisblockedtheRubeandtaggedhimout。
ItlookedtothebleachersasifEllishadbeenunnecessarilyrough，andtheyhissedandstormeddisapproval。Asforme，IknewtheBisonswerelosingnochancetowearoutmypitcher。StringerfouledoutwithMaconthird，anditmadehimsoangrythathethrewhisbattowardthebench，makingsomeoftheboysskiplively。
Thenextthreeinnings，asfarasscoringwasconcerned，wereallforBuffalo。ButtheWorcesterinfieldplayedmagnificentball，holdingtheiropponentstooneruneachinning。
Thatmadethescore4to2infavorofBuffalo。
Inthelasthalfofthesixth，withAshonfirstbaseandtwomenout，oldSpearshitanotherofhisloftyflies，andthisonewentoverthefenceandtiedthescore。Howthebleachersroared！
Itwasfulltwominutesbeforetheyquieteddown。
Tomakeitallthemoreexciting，Bogarthitsafely，ranlikeadeertothirdonMullaney’sgrounder，whichWilerknockeddown，andscoredonapassedball。Greggendedtheinningbystrikingout。
``GetattheRube！’’boomedEllis，theBisoncaptain。``We’llhavehimupintheairsoon。Getinthegamenow，youstickers！’’
BeforeIknewwhathadhappened，theBisonshadagaintiedthescore。Theywereindomitable。
Theygrewstrongerallthetime。Astrokeofgoodlucknowwouldclinchthegameforthem。
TheRubewasbeginningtolaborinthebox;Ashwellwaslimping;Spearslookedasifhewoulddropanymoment;McCallcouldscarcelywalk。
Butiftheballcamehiswayhecouldstillrun。
Nevertheless，Ineversawanyfinerfieldingthanthesecrippedplayersexecutedthatinning。
``Ash——Mac——canyouholdout？’’Iasked，whentheylimpedin。Ireceivedglancesofscornformyquestion。Spears，however，wasnotsanguine。
``I’llstickprettymuchifsomethin’doesn’thappen，’’hesaid;``butI’mallin。I’llneedarunnerifIgettofirstthistime。’’
SpearslumbereddowntofirstbaseonaninfieldhitandtheheavyManninggavehimthehip。
OldSpearswentdown，andIforoneknewhewasoutinmorewaysthanthatsignifiedbyCarter’ssharp：``Out！’’
Theoldwar—horsegatheredhimselfupslowlyandpainfully，andwithhisarmsfoldedandhisjawprotruding，helimpedtowardtheumpire。
``Didyoucallmeout？’’heasked，inavoiceplainlyaudibletoanyoneonthefield。
``Yes，’’snappedCarter。
``Whatfor？Ibeattheball，an’Mannin’
playeddirtywithme——gavemethehip。’’
``Icalledyouout。’’
``ButIwasn’tout！’’
``Shutupnow！Getoffthediamond！’’orderedCarter，peremptorily。
``What？Me？Say，I’mcaptainofthisteam。
Can’tIquestionadecision？’’
``Notmine。Spears，you’redelayingthegame。’’
``Itellyouitwasarottendecision，’’yelledSpears。Thebleachersagreedwithhim。
Cartergrewredintheface。HeandSpearshadbeforethenmetinfieldsquabbles，andheshowedit。
``Fiftydollars！’’
``More！Youcheap—skateyoupiker！More！’’
``It’sahundred！’’
``Putmeoutofthegame！’’roaredSpears。
``Youbet！Hurrynow——skedaddle！’’
``Rob—b—ber！’’bawledSpears。
Thenhelaboredslowlytowardthebench，allred，andyetwithperspiration，hisdemeanoroneofoutrageddignity。Thegreatcrowd，asoneman，stoodupandyelledhoarselyatCarter，andhissedandrailedathim。WhenSpearsgottothebenchhesatdownbesidemeasifinpain，buthewassmiling。
``Con，Iwasallin，an’knowin’Icouldn’tplayanylonger，thoughtI’dtrytoscareCarter。Say，hewaswhiteintheface。Ifweplayintoaclosedecisionnow，he’llgiveittous。’’
BogartandMullaneybattedoutinshortorder，andoncemoretheaggressiveBisonshurriedinfortheirturn。SpearssentCairnstofirstbaseandJonestoright。TheRubelobbeduphisslowball。Inthattightpinchheshowedhissplendidnerve。TwoBuffaloplayers，over—anxious，poppedupflies。TheRubekeptonpitchingtheslowcurveuntilitwashitsafely。Thenheavinghisshoulderswithallhismighthegotallthemotionpossibleintohisswingandletdrive。
Hehadalmostallofhisoldspeed，butithurtmetoseehimworkwithsuchdesperateeffort。
HestruckWilerout。
Hecamestoopingintothebench，apparentlydeaftothestunningroundofapplause。EveryplayerontheteamhadawordfortheRube。
Therewasnoquittinginthatbunch，andifIeversawvictoryonthesternfacesofballplayersitwasinthatmoment。
``Wehaven’topenedupyet。Mebbeethisistheinnin’。Ifitain’t，thenextis，’’saidSpears。
Withtheweakendofthebattinglistup，thereseemedlittlehopeofgettingarunonVanethatinning。HehadsomuchconfidencethatheputtheballoverforGregg，whohitoutofthereachoftheinfield。AgainVanesentuphisstraightball，nodoubtexpectingCairnstohitintoadoubleplay。ButCairnssurprisedVaneandeverybodyelsebypokingasafetypastfirstbase。
Thefansbegantohowlandpoundandwhistle。
TheRubestrodetobat。Theinfieldclosedinforabunt，buttheRubehadnoordersforthatstyleofplay。Spearshadsaidnothingtohim。
Vanelosthisnonchalanceandsettleddown。Hecutloosewithallhisspeed。Rubesteppedout，suddenlywhirled，thentriedtododge，buttheballhithimfairintheback。Rubesaggedinhistracks，thenstraightenedup，andwalkedslowlytofirstbase。Score5to5，basesfull，noouts，McCallatbat。Isatdumbonthebench，thrillingandshivering。McCall！Ashwell！Stringertobat！
``Playitsafe！Holdthebags！’’yelledthecoacher。
McCallfairlyspouteddefianceashefacedVane。
``Pitch！It’salloff！An’youknowit！’’
IfVaneknewthat，heshowednoevidenceofit。Hisfacewascold，unsmiling，rigid。HehadtopitchtoMcCall，thefastestmanintheleague;
toAshwell，thebestbunter;toStringer，thechampionbatter。Itwasasupremetestforagreatpitcher。TherewasonlyonekindofaballthatMcCallwasnotsuretohit，andthatwasahighcurve，inclose。Vanethrewitwithallhispower。
Cartercalleditastrike。AgainVaneswungandhisarmfairlycracked。Macfouledtheball。Thethirdwaswide。Slowly，withliftingbreast，Vanegotready，whirledsavagelyandshotuptheball。
McCallstruckout。
AstheBuffaloplayerscrowedandtheaudiencegroaneditwasworthyofnotethatlittleMcCallshowednotemper。Yethehadfailedtograspagreatopportunity。
``Ash，Icouldn’tsee’em，’’hesaid，ashepassedtothebench。``Speed，whew！lookoutforit。
He’sbeensavin’up。Hitquick，an’you’llgethim。’’
AshwellbentovertheplateandgloweredatVane。
``Pitch！It’salloff！An’youknowit！’’hehissed，usingMac’swords。
Ashwell，too，wasleft—handed;he，too，wasextremelyhardtopitchto;andifhehadaweaknessthatanyofuseverdiscovered，itwasaslowcurveandchangeofpace。ButIdoubtedifVanewoulddaretouseslowballstoAshatthatcriticalmoment。IhadyettolearnsomethingofVane。
HegaveAshaslow，wide—sweepingsidewheeler，thatcurvedroundovertheplate。Ashalwaystookastrike，sothisdidnotmatter。ThenVaneusedhisdeceptivechangeofpace，sendingupacurvethatjustmissedAsh’sbatasheswung。
``Oh！A—h—h！hit！’’wailedthebleachers。
Vanedoubleduplikeacontortionist，andshotupalightning—swiftdropthatfooledAshcompletely。Againthecrowdgroaned。Scoretied，basesfull，twoout，Stringeratbat！
``It’suptoyou，String，’’calledAsh，steppingaside。
StringerdidnotcallouttoVane。Thatwasnothisway。Hestoodtenseandalert，batonhisshoulder，hispowerfulformbraced，andhewaited。Theoutfielderstrottedovertowardrightfield，andtheinfieldersplayeddeep，callingoutwarningsandencouragementtothepitcher。
Stringerhadnoweakness，andVaneknewthis。
Neverthelesshedidnotmanifestanyuneasiness，andpitchedthefirstballwithoutanyextramotion。Cartercalleditastrike。IsawStringersinkdownslightlyandgrowtenserallover。I
believethatmomentwaslongerformethanforeitherthepitcherorthebatter。Vanetookhistime，watchedthebaserunners，feintedtothrowtocatchthem，andthendeliveredtheballtowardtheplatewiththelimitofhispower。
Stringerhittheball。AslongasIlive，Iwillseethatglancinglowliner。Shultz，byawonderfulplayindeepcenter，blockedtheballandtherebysaveditfrombeingahomerun。ButwhenStringerstoppedonsecondbase，alltherunnershadscored。
Ashrill，shrieking，high—pitchedyell！Thebleachersthreatenedtodestroythestandsandalsotheirthroatsinonelongrevelofbaseballmadness。
Jones，battinginplaceofSpears，hadgoneupandfouledoutbeforetheuproarhadsubsided。
``Fellers，IreckonIfeeleasier，’’saidtheRube。
ItwastheonlytimeIhadeverheardhimspeaktotheplayersatsuchastage``Onlysixbatters，Rube，’’calledoutSpears。
``Boys，it’sagrandgame，an’it’sour’n！’’
TheRubehadenoughthatinningtodisposeofthelowerhalfoftheBuffalolistwithoutanyalarmingbidsforarun。Andinourhalf，BogartandMullaneyhitviciousgroundballsthatgaveTreadwellandWileropportunitiesforsuperbplays。Carl，likewise，madeabeautifulrunningcatchofGregg’slinefly。TheBisonswerestillinthegame，stillcapableofpullingitoutatthelastmoment。
WhenShultzstalkeduptotheplateIshutmyeyesamoment，andsostillwasitthatthefieldandstandsmighthavebeenempty。Yet，thoughItried，Icouldnotkeepmyeyesclosed。IopenedthemtowatchtheRube。IknewSpearsfeltthesameasI，forhewasblowinglikeaporpoiseandmutteringtohimself：``MebeetheRubewon’tlastan’I’venoonetoputin！’’
TheRubepitchedwithheavy，violenteffort。
Hehadstillenoughspeedtobedangerous。ButafterthemannerofballplayersShultzandthecoachersmockedhim。
``Takeallyoucan，’’calledEllistoShultz。
EverypitchlessenedtheRube’sstrengthandthesewiseopponentsknewit。LikewisetheRubehimselfknew，andneverhadheshownbetterheadworkthaninthisinning。Ifheweretowin，hemustbequick。Sohewastednotaball。Thefirstpitchandthesecond，deliveredbreasthighandfairlyovertheplate，beautifulballstohit，Shultzwatchedspeedby。HeswunghardonthethirdandthecrippledAshwelldoveforitinacloudofdust，gotahandinfrontofit，butuselessly，forthehitwassafe。Thecrowdcheeredthatsplendideffort。
Carlmarchedtobat，andheswunghisclubovertheplateasifheknewwhattoexpect。``Comeon，Rube！’’heshouted。Wearily，doggedly，theRubewhirled，andwhippedhisarm。Theballhadallhisoldglancingspeedanditwasastrike。
TheRubewasmakingatremendouseffort。
Againhegothisbodyinconvulsivemotion——twostrikes！Shultzhadmadenomovetorun，norhadCarlmadeanymovetohit。Theseveteranswerewaiting。TheRubehadpitchedfivestrikes——couldhelast？
``Now，Carl！’’yelledEllis，withstartlingsuddenness，astheRubepitchedagain。
Crack！Carlplacedthathitassafelythroughshortasifhehadthrownit。McCall’slittlelegstwinkledashedashedoverthegrass。Hehadtoheadoffthathitandheranlikeastreak。Downandforwardhepitched，asifinoneofhisfierceslides，andhegothisbodyinfrontoftheball，blockingit，andthenherolledoverandover。ButhejumpedupandlinedtheballtoBogart，almostcatchingShultzatthird—base。Then，asMactriedtowalk，hislamelegbuckledunderhim，anddownhewent，andout。
``Calltime，’’IcalledtoCarter。``McCallisdone……Myers，yougotoleftan’forLord’ssakeplayball！’’
StringerandBogarthurriedtoMacand，liftinghimupandsupportinghimbetweenthemwithhisarmsaroundtheirshoulders，theyledhimoffamidcheersfromthestands。Macwaswhitewithpain。
``Naw，Iwon’tgooffthefield。Leavemeonthebench，’’hesaid。``Fight’emnow。It’sourgame。Nevermindacoupleofruns。’’
TheboysranbacktotheirpositionsandCartercalledplay。PerhapsalittledelayhadbeenhelpfultotheRube。SlowlyhesteppedintotheboxandwatchedShultzatthirdandCarlatsecond。
Therewasnotmuchprobabilityofhisthrowingtocatchthemoffthebase，butenoughofapossibilitytomakethemcareful，soheheldthemclose。
TheRubepitchedastriketoManning，thenanother。Thatmadeeightstrikessquareovertheplatethatinning。Whatmagnificentcontrol！ItwasequaledbytheimplacablepatienceofthoseveteranBisons。ManninghitthenextballashardasCarlhadhithis。ButMullaneyplungeddown，cameupwiththeball，feintedtofoolCarl，thenletdrivetoGreggtocatchthefleetingShultz。
Thethrowwentwide，butGregggotit，and，leapinglengthwise，taggedShultzoutayardfromtheplate。
Oneout。Tworunnersonbases。Thebleachersroseandsplittheirthroats。Wouldtheinningneverend？
Spearskepttellinghimself：``They’llscore，butwe’llwin。It’sourgame！’’
IhadasickeningfearthatthestrangeconfidencethatobsessedtheWorcesterplayershadbeenblind，unreasoningvanity。
``Carlwillsteal，’’mutteredSpears。``Hecan’tbestopped。’’
Spearshadcalledtheplay。TheRubetriedtoholdthelittlebase—stealerclosetosecond，but，afteroneattempt，wiselyturnedtohishardtaskofmakingtheBisonshitandhitquickly。Ellislettheballpass;Greggmadeaperfectthrowtothird;Bogartcaughttheballandmovedlikeaflash，butCarlslidunderhishandstothebag。
Manningrandowntosecond。TheRubepitchedagain，andthiswashistenthballovertheplate。
EventheBuffaloplayersevincedeloquentappreciationoftheRube’sdefenceatthislaststand。
ThenEllissentacleanhittoright，scoringbothCarlandManning。Ibreathedeasier，foritseemedwiththosetworunnersin，theRubehadabetterchance。Treadwellalsotookthosetworunnersin，theRubehadawaythoseBisonswaited。Theyhadtheirreward，fortheRube’sspeedlefthim。Whenhepitchedagaintheballhadcontrol，butnoshoot。Treadwellhititwithallhisstrength。LikeahugecatAshwellpounceduponit，ranoversecondbase，forcingEllis，andhisspeedysnaptofirstalmostcaughtTreadwell。
Score8to7。Twoout。Runneronfirst。Oneruntotie。
Inmyhazy，dimmedvisionIsawtheRube’spennantwavingfromtheflag—pole。
``It’sourgame！’’howledSpearsinmyear，forthenoisefromthestandswasdeafening。
``It’sourpennant！’’
TheformidablebattingstrengthoftheBisonshadbeenmet，notwithoutdisaster，butwithoutdefeat。McKnightcameupforBuffaloandtheRubetookhiswearyswing。ThebattermadeaterrificlungeandhittheballwithasolidcrackItlinedforcenter。
Suddenlyelectrifiedintoaction，Ileapedup。
Thathit！Itfrozemewithhorror。Itwasahome—run。IsawStringerflytowardleftcenter。
Heranlikesomethingwild。IsawtheheavyTreadwelllumberingroundthebases。IsawAshwellrunoutintocenterfield。
``Ah—h！’’Thewholeaudiencerelieveditsterrorinthatexpulsionofsuspendedbreath。
Stringerhadleapedhightoknockdowntheball，savingasurehome—runandthegame。Herecoveredhimself，dashedbackfortheballandshotittoAsh。
WhenAshturnedtowardtheplate，Treadwellwasroundingthirdbase。Atiescoreappearedinevitable。IsawAsh’sarmwhipandtheballshootforward，leveled，glancing，beautifulinitsflight。Thecrowdsawit，andthesilencebroketoayellthatroseandroseastheballspedin。
Thatyellswelledtoasplittingshriek，andTreadwellslidinthedust，andtheballshotintoGregg’shandsallatthesameinstant。
Carterwavedbotharmsupwards。Itwastheumpire’sactionwhenhisdecisionwentagainstthebase—runner。Theaudiencerolleduponegreatstenoriancry。
``Out！’’
Icollapsedandsankbackuponthebench。Myconfusedsensesreceivedadullroarofpoundingfeetanddinningvoicesastheheraldofvictory。
IfeltmyselfthinkinghowpleasedMillywouldbe。
Ihadadistinctpictureinmymindofawhitecottageonahill，nolongeradream，butareality，madepossibleformebytheRube’swinningofthepennant，THERUBE’SHONEYMOON
``He’sgotanewmanager。Watchhimpitchnow！’’ThatwaswhatNanBrownsaidtomeaboutRubeHurtle，mygreatpitcher，andItookitasherwayofannouncingherengagement。
Mybaseballcareerheldsomeproudmoments，butthisone，whereinIrealizedthesuccessofmymatchmakingplans，wascertainlytheproudestone。So，entirelyoutsideofthehonestpleasureIgotoutoftheRube’shappiness，therewasreasonformetocongratulatemyself。Hewasatransformedman，soabsolutelyrenewed，sowildwithjoy，thatonthestrengthofit，IdecidedthepennantforWorcesterwasaforegoneconclusion，and，sureofthemoneypromisedmebythedirectors，MillyandIbegantomakeplansforthecottageuponthehill。
TheRubeinsistedonpitchingMonday’sgameagainsttheTorontos，andalthoughpoorfieldinggavethemacoupleofruns，theyneverhadachance。Theycouldnotseetheball。TheRubewrappeditaroundtheirnecksandbetweentheirwristsandstraightovertheplatewithsuchincrediblespeedthattheymightjustaswellhavetriedtobatriflebullets。
ThatnightIwashappy。Spears，myveterancaptain，wasonehugesmile;Radbournequietlyassuredmethatallwasovernowbuttheshouting;
alltheboyswerehappy。
AndtheRubewasthehappiestofall。Atthehotelheburstoutwithhisexceedinggoodfortune。HeandNanweretobemarriedupontheFourthofJuly！
AfterthenoisycongratulationswereoverandtheRubehadgone，SpearslookedatmeandI
lookedathim。
``Con，’’saidhesoberly，``wejustcan’tlethimgetmarriedontheFourth。’’
``Whynot？Surewecan。We’llhelphimgetmarried。Itellyouit’llsavethepennantforus。
Lookhowhepitchedtoday！NanBrownisoursalvation！’’
``Seehere，Con，you’vegotsoftenin’ofthebrain，too。Where’syourbaseballsense？We’vegotapennanttowin。ByJulyFourthwe’llbeclosetotheleadagain，an’there’sthatthreeweeks’tripontheroad，thelongestan’hardestoftheseason。We’vejustgottobreakevenonthattrip。Youknowwhatthatmeans。IftheRubemarriesNan——whatarewegoin’todo？Wecan’tleavehimbehind。IfhetakesNanwithus——whyit’llbeahoneymoon！An’halfthegangisstuckonNanBrown！An’NanBrownwouldflirtinherbridalveil！……WhyCon，we’reupagainstaworsepropositionthanever。’’
``GoodHeavens！Cap。You’reright，’’I
groaned。``Ineverthoughtofthat。We’vegottopostponethewedding……Howonearthcanwe？I’veheardhertellMillythat。She’llneverconsenttoit。Say，this’lldrivemetodrink。’’
``AllIgottosayisthis，Con。IftheRubetakeshiswifeonthattripit’sgoin’tobeanall—
firedhummer。Don’tyouforgetthat。’’
``I’mnotlikelyto。But，Spears，thepointisthis——willtheRubewinhisgames？’’
``Figurin’fromhisworktoday，I’dgamblehe’llneverloseanothergame。Itain’tthat。I’mthinkin’ofwhatthegangwilldotohiman’Nanonthecarsan’atthehotels。Oh！Lord，Con，itain’tpossibletostandforthathoneymoontrip！
Justthink！’’
``Iftheworstcomestotheworst，Cap，Idon’tcareforanythingbutthegames。IfwegetintheleadandstaythereI’llstandforanything……
Couldn’tthegangbecoaxedorboughtofftolettheRubeandNanalone？’’
``Notonyourlife！Thereain’tenoughloveormoneyonearthtostopthem。It’llbeawful。
Mind，I’mnotresponsible。Don’tyougoholdin’
meresponsible。InallmyyearsofbaseballI
neverwentonatripwithabrideinthegame。
That’snewonme，an’Ineverheardofit。I’dbebadenoughifhewasn’tarubean’ifshewasn’tacrazygirl—fanan’aflirttoboot，an’withhalftheboysinlovewithher，butasitis————’’
Spearsgaveupand，gravelyshakinghishead，heleftme。Ispentalittlewhileinsoberreflection，andfinallycametotheconclusionthat，inmydesperateambitiontowinthepennant，Iwouldhavetakenhalfadozenrubepitchersandtheirbaseball—madebridesonthetrip，ifbysodoingIcouldincreasethepercentageofgameswon。
Nevertheless，IwantedtopostponetheRube’sweddingifitwaspossible，andIwentouttoseeMillyandaskedhertohelpus。ButforonceinherlifeMillyturnedtraitor。
``Connie，youdon’twanttopostponeit。Why，howperfectlylovely！……Mrs。StringerwillgoonthattripandMrs。Bogart……Connie，I’mgoingtoo！’’
Sheactuallyjumpedupanddowninglee。Thatwasthewomaninher。Ittakesaweddingtogetawoman。Iremonstratedandpleadedandcommanded，alltonopurpose。Millyintendedtogoonthattriptoseethegames，andthefun，andthehoneymoon。
ShecoaxedsohardthatIyielded。ThereuponshecalledupMrs。Stringeronthetelephone，andofcoursefoundthatyoungwomanjustaseagerasshewas。Formypart，Ithrewanxietyandcaretothefourwinds，anddecidedtobeashappyasanyofthem。Thepennantwasmine！Somethingkeptringingthatinmyears。WiththeRubeworkinghisironarmfortheedificationofhisproudNancyBrown，therewasextremelikelihoodofdiversshut—outsandhumiliatingdefeatsforsomeEasternLeagueteams。
HowwellIcalculatedbecameamatterofbaseballhistoryduringthatlastweekofJune。Wewonsixstraightgames，threeofwhichfelltotheRube’scredit。Hisopponentsscoredfourrunsinthethreegames，againstthenineteenwemade。
UponJuly1，RadbournebeatProvidenceandCairnswonthesecondgame。Wenowhadastringofeightvictories。Sundaywerested，andMondaywastheFourth，withmorningandafternoongameswithBuffalo。
UponthemorningoftheFourth，IlookedfortheRubeatthehotel，butcouldnotfindhim。Hedidnotshowupatthegroundswhentheotherboysdid，andIbegantoworry。ItwastheRube’sturntopitchandwewereneckandneckwithBuffaloforfirstplace。Ifwewonbothgameswewouldgoaheadofourrivals。SoIwasallonedge，andkeptgoingtothedressing—roomtoseeiftheRubehadarrived。Hecame，finally，whenalltheboysweredressed，andabouttogooutforpractice。Hehadonanewsuit，atailor—madesuitatthat，andhelookedfine。Therewasabouthimakindofstrangeradiance。Hestatedsimplythathehadarrivedlatebecausehehadjustbeenmarried。Beforecongratulationswereoutofourmouths，heturnedtome。
``Con，Iwanttopitchbothgamestoday，’’hesaid。
``What！Say，Whit，Buffaloisonthecardtodayandweareonlythreepointsbehindthem。
Ifwewinbothwe’llbeleadingtheleagueoncemore。Idon’tknowaboutpitchingyoubothgames。’’
``Ireckonwe’llbeintheleadtonightthen，’’
hereplied，``forI’llwinthemboth。’’
IwasabouttoreplywhenDave，theground—
keeper，calledmetothedoor，sayingtherewasamantoseeme。Iwentout，andtherestoodMorrisey，manageroftheChicagoAmericanLeagueteam。Wekneweachotherwellandexchangedgreetings。
``Con，Idroppedofftoseeyouaboutthisnewpitcherofyours，theonetheycalltheRube。I
wanttoseehimwork。I’veheardhe’sprettyfast。Howaboutit？’’
``Wait——tillyouseehimpitch，’’Ireplied。I
couldscarcelygetthatmuchout，forMorrisey’spresencemeantagreatdealandIdidnotwanttobetraymyelation。
``Anystringsonhim？’’queriedthebigleaguemanager，sharply。
``Well，Morrisey，notexactly。Icangiveyouthefirstcall。You’llhavetobidhigh，though。
Justwaittillyouseehimwork。’’
``I’mgladtohearthat。Myscoutwasoverherewatchinghimpitchandsayshe’sawonder。’’
WhatluckitwasthatMorriseyshouldhavecomeuponthisday！Icouldhardlycontainmyself。
AlmostIbegantospendthemoneyIwouldgetforsellingtheRubetothebigleaguemanager。
Wetookseatsinthegrandstand，asMorriseydidnotwanttobeseenbyanyplayers，andIstayedtherewithhimuntilthegongsounded。
Therewasabigattendance。IlookedalloverthestandforNan，butshewaslostinthegaycrowd。ButwhenIwentdowntothebenchI
sawherupinmyprivateboxwithMilly。IttooknosecondglancetoseethatNanBrownwasabrideandgloryinginthefact。
Then，intheabsorptionofthegame，IbecameoblivioustoMillyandNan;thenoisycrowd;thegiantfire—crackersandthesmoke;tothepresenceofMorrisey;toallexcepttheRubeandmyteamandtheiropponents。Fortunatelyformyhopes，thegameopenedwithcharacteristicWorcesterdash。LittleMcCalldoubled，Ashwelldrewhisbaseonfourwidepitches，andStringerdrovetheballovertheright—fieldfence——threeruns！
Threerunswereenoughtowinthatgame。OfalltheexhibitionsofpitchingwithwhichtheRubehadfavoredus，thisonewasthefinest。Itwasperhapsnotsomuchhismarvelousspeedandunhittablecurvesthatmadethegameonememorableintheannalsofpitching;itwashisperfectcontrolintheplacingofballs，inthecuttingofcorners;inhisabsoluteimplacablemasteryofthesituation。Buffalowasunabletofindhimatall。Thegamewasswiftshort，decisive，withthescore5to0inourfavor。ButthescoredidnottellalloftheRube’sworkthatmorning。HeshutoutBuffalowithoutahit，orascratch，thefirstno—hit，no—rungameoftheyear。Hegavenobaseonballs;notaBuffaloplayergottofirstbase;onlyoneflywenttotheoutfield。
ForonceIforgotMillyafteragame，andI
hurriedtofindMorrisey，andcarriedhimofftohavedinnerwithme。
``Yourrubeisawonder，andthat’safact，’’hesaidtomeseveraltimes。``Whereonearthdidyougethim？Connelly，he’smymeat。Doyouunderstand？Canyouletmehavehimrightnow？’’
``No，Morrisey，I’vegotthepennanttowinfirst。ThenI’llsellhim。’’
``Howmuch？Doyouhear？Howmuch？’’
Morriseyhammeredthetablewithhisfistandhiseyesgleamed。
CarriedawayasIwasbyhisvehemence，Iwasyetabletocalculateshrewdly，andIdecidedtonameaveryhighprice，fromwhichIcouldcomedownandstillmakeasplendiddeal。
``Howmuch？’’demandedMorrisey。
``Fivethousanddollars，’’Ireplied，andgulpedwhenIgotthewordsout。
Morriseyneverbattedaneye。
``Waiter，quick，penandinkandpaper！’’
Presentlymyhand，nonetoofirm，wassigningmynametoacontractwherebyIwastosellmypitcherforfivethousanddollarsatthecloseofthecurrentseason。IneversawamanlooksopleasedasMorriseywhenhefoldedthatcontractandputitinhispocket。Hebademegood—byeandhurriedofftocatchatrain，andheneverknewtheRubehadpitchedthegreatgameonhisweddingday。
Thatafternoonbeforeacrowdthathadtoberopedoffthediamond，IputtheRubeagainsttheBisons。Howwellheshowedthebaseballknowledgehehadassimilated！Hechangedhisstyleinthatsecondgame。Heusedaslowballandwidecurvesandtookthingseasy。HemadeBuffalohittheballandwhenrunnersgotonbasesoncemoreletouthisspeedandheldthemdown。Hereliedupontheplayersbehindhimandtheywereequaltotheoccasion。
Itwasatotallydifferentgamefromthatofthemorning，andperhapsonemoresuitedtothepleasureoftheaudience。Therewasplentyofhardhitting，sharpfieldingandgoodbaserunning，andthegamewascloseandexcitinguptotheeighth，whenMullaney’striplegaveustworuns，andaleadthatwasnotheaded。TothedeafeningroarofthebleacherstheRubewalkedoffthefield，havingpitchedWorcesterintofirstplaceinthepennantrace。