returning with a ball, still in the sealed package, and a bat
with well wrapped handle.

"I'll handle the bat," announced Mr. Luce, smiling. "It's just
barely possible that I, can drive a good liner straighter than
some of you, and put it nearer where I want it. Until the cage
is in place, I don't like to risk smashing any of the gymnasium
windows. Now, which one of you pitchers is ambitious to do something?"

Naturally, all of them were. Yet none liked to appear too forward
or greedy, so silence followed.

"I'll try you modest young men out on my own lines, then," laughed
the coach. Calling to one of the juniors to stand behind him
as catcher, Luce continued:

"Darrin, as you're a candidate for pitcher, show us some of the
things you can do to fool a batsman."

Dave took his post, his face a bit red. He handled the ball for
a few moments, rather nervously.

"Don't get rattled, lad," counseled the coach. "Remember, this
is just fun. Bear in mind that you're aiming to send the ball
in to the catcher. Don't let the ball drive through a window
by mistake."

A laugh went up at this. Dave, instead of losing his nerve, flashed
back at the squad, then steadied himself.