Page:Lefty o' the Bush.djvu/184

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ashes of resentment. He had not liked this young fellow from the first; now that Locke had dared speak out in such a fearless manner, indicating the ease with which he had plumbed the shallow depth of Hutchinson's loyalty, the man's hatred became intense. Nevertheless, he sought to resume his habitual mask of cold indifference.

"I've seen plenty of young cubs like you," he said in his usual level, colorless voice. "They always have to have it hammered out of them, and you'll have to swallow the regular medicine if you play much professional baseball."

The gage had been flung down between them; henceforth, although they might dissemble before others, they would make no effort to deceive each other regarding their feelings. If Lefty were really ambitious to get on professionally, it would seem that he had perpetrated a shortsighted piece of folly in incurring the enmity of his manager. Nevertheless, rising to his full height to face Hutchinson, he had something further to say:

"Doubtless, sir, there are other managers like you; but, for the good of the game, I hope there are not many."

For something like thirty seconds, Hutch did not stir or move his eyes from Tom Locke's face; but he was confronted by a pose equally statue-