CHAPTER XXI
THE DEAD LETTER
Although Kewpie made no secret of his
acceptance on the baseball team, in fact
gave a certain amount of publicity to the fact,
his appearance on the diamond the next afternoon
created a distinct sensation. Aware of the
sensation, Kewpie became suddenly taciturn, and
when he did speak he clothed his words in
mystery. Laurie, seeing an opportunity to render
Kewpie's advent more spectacular, seized it.
During Craigskill's practice on the diamond the
Hillman's pitchers warmed up in front of the
first base stand. Beedle and Pemberton pitched
to Cas Bennett and Elk Thurston. As Croft
was not to be used, Laurie's services were not
required, and he sat on the bench. But when the
opportunity was glimpsed he arose, picked a ball
from the old water-bucket, drew on his mitten,
and signaled to Kewpie. Then he took his
place beyond Cas, and Kewpie ambled to a
