to Dave to come over. The two girls were left, momentarily, standing
on the corner.

While they stood thus Fred Ripley came along. His first lesson
in pitching had been brief, the great Everett declining to tire
the boy's arm too much at the first drill. So young Ripley, after
a twelve-mile trip in the auto through the crisp December air,
came swinging down the street at a brisk walk.

Just as this moment he espied the two girls, though he did not
see Dick or Dave. Belle happened to turn as Ripley came near
her.

"Hullo, Meade!" he called, patronizingly.

It is a trick with some High School boys thus to address a girl
student by her last name only, but it is not the act of a gentleman.
Belle resented it by stiffening at once, and glancing coldly
at Ripley without greeting him.

In another instant Dave Darrin, at a bound, stood before the astonished
Fred. Dave's eyes were flashing in a way they were wont to do
when he was thoroughly angry.

"Ripley---you cur! To address a young woman in that familiar
fashion!" glared Dave.

"What have you to say about it?" demanded Fred, insolently.

"This!" was Dave Darrin's only answer in words.