“Mr. Connover won’t want him to if you show you’re as good as Evans. But, for the sake of argument, call it three to two, Tom. That’s still a big margin.” “It might be if Steve didn’t have a whole lot more to say than the whole bunch of us!” “That’s the point. It’s up to us to see that Steve says what we want him to! That’s where our wills get in their work. He may have more authority than you, or the three of us together, Tom, but your _will_ is just as strong as his is!” “Is it?” asked Tom startledly. “What do you know about that?” “Of course it is. And you can make it stronger all the time by using it. In many of us the will power is merely dormant until we begin to exercise it.” “Well, it’s all sort of mixed-up to me,” said Tom. “Guess I’ll never quite get the rights of it. But I’m willing to try the gag. What do I do first?” “Quit joshing and talk sense,” advised Clif impatiently. “Loring’s got a good scheme, and it won’t hurt us a bit to try it. Even if it doesn’t get us anything it’ll be sort of fun, sort of interesting.” “Joshing!” exclaimed Tom in hurt tones. “I wasn’t joshing. I’m just as dead serious as the rest of you, but I’ve got to know what I’m to do before I do it, haven’t I?” “You’ve got to do what we’ve all got to do,” answered Loring. “Tell yourself over and over that you’re going to make an infield position on the second nine――” “But I don’t want just _any_ position,” interrupted Tom anxiously; “I want to play second base!” “And keep on telling yourself that until you believe it. When you believe it others will. Work as hard as you can for that position. Keep in mind that Clif and I are thinking and believing and working with you every minute. Work and will, Tom. Let’s go then! ‘One for all and――’” “All for fun,” said the irrepressible Tom. CHAPTER VII A STRANGER LOOKS ON