really to have a first-class pitcher at last. We need it if we are
going to win any baseball games.

"Now, Tom, I tell you that I don't know----"

"Oh, you can't fool me, William," declared Tom, positively. "I got the
information straight, and I know it is absolutely correct. You are
booked as the head pitcher for Brill this season." And thus speaking,
Tom turned on his heel and walked off, leaving William Philander Tubbs
much perplexed.

CHAPTER V

THREE LETTERS

A new idea had entered Tom's mind, and he lost no time in carrying it
out. Meeting Bob Grimes and Stanley Browne, he drew them quickly to
one side and mentioned the talk he had had with William Philander.

"Now, carry it along," he concluded. "If you do it properly, we'll
have a barrel of fun out of it."

"Right you are!" returned Bob, and Stanley winked knowingly. Then Tom
hurried off, to interview several others of the students, principally
those who were interested in the Brill baseball nine.

Just before the bell rang for breakfast, William Philander found
himself confronted by Bob, who shook hands cordially. "This is the
best news yet, William," said the baseball leader, heartily. "I have
been wondering what we were going to do for a pitcher this season."