may have begrudged the afternoon lost, still there would be plenty of
time to train for his position, if he had the luck to be selected in
the end.

All the time they worked, and afterwards with picked nines played a
short game, Hugh kept on the lookout, but no Thad showed up. This was
so queer that Hugh made up his mind he must drop in at the Stevens
domicile on his way home to supper, and find out what had happened to
keep his chum, who was as enthusiastic as himself over baseball
matters, from coming around for the first test.

More than once that afternoon Hugh received warning words from some of
the other boys concerning Nick Lang.

"He isn't the kind of a fellow to forget and forgive, Hugh, remember,"
K. K. went on to say, with a shake of his head. "I've studied the
beast, and I know how he's made up. Right now he glares at you every
time he happens to come near. And if looks could kill, they'd be
conducting your funeral tomorrow, Hugh. He's a tough one, all right,
and you knocked the conceit out of his head when you gave him that
dandy black eye. Be on your guard, Hugh, and never trust Nick Lang;
for he's not only a brute but a treacherous one in the bargain."

But Hugh only laughed on hearing this warning.

"Thank you for what you say, K. K." he told the other. "You make the
fourth fellow to tell me about the same thing. But really, I don't
believe there's as much danger as you seem to believe. Fellows like
Nick are careful not to get struck by lightning twice. The burnt child
dreads the fire, they say. Nick's bark is worse than his bite; and I