If Tom’s position on the second nine was precarious, Clif’s was much more so. In fact, Clif could hardly be said to have a position. Ferry’s withdrawal from left field to pitcher’s box had resulted in the transference of Marler from center to left and the trying of various players in the middle garden. Burke, Deeker and Clif were experimented with. Deeker was eliminated in short order, leaving Burke and Clif to fight it out. There didn’t seem much choice. Burke was as good a fielder as Clif; had played on the second last season and in consequence was ahead in experience; was equally as certain a hitter. Usually Coach Wadleigh started one and finished with the other. Infrequently one of the rivals played a practice game through. Clif, in spite of psychology, had a sneaking suspicion that Burke would eventually land the position. Of course when the old will power was working just right he could vision himself holding down the job unchallenged, but the old will power had a mean habit of developing engine trouble at times! Shortly after the beginning of the new term Clif and Tom arrived at Loring’s room one evening after supper to find another visitor ahead of them. The host, rather proudly as it seemed, introduced them to Mr. Cooper. Mr. Cooper appeared a trifle embarrassed as he shook hands, and for the succeeding ten or fifteen minutes had very little to say. Clif, recalling his father’s indorsement of Mr. Cooper, was very friendly. Tom, however, perhaps because he had tired before this of Loring’s frequent allusions to the gentleman, was less gracious. Without being in the least impolite, he nevertheless managed to suggest that he resented the presence of the outsider. Doubtless Mr. Cooper caught the suggestion, for more than once Clif found him observing Tom with studious intentness. Conversation limped for awhile. Even Tom was too courteous to introduce or pursue a subject which the stranger could not participate in or at least comprehend. Finally it was a chance word of Loring’s that removed the restraint. Searching for a fresh line of conversation, Loring asked: “How did psychology work to-day, Clif?” Clif shook his head. That afternoon Burke had had rather the better of it. Then he turned to Mr. Cooper to ask: “I wonder if you believe in that stuff, sir?” “Psychology?” said the man inquiringly. Clif explained. “Yes, sir. Loring thinks you can get what you want by setting your mind on it and willing it to――to happen. You know, sort of out-thinking the other chap; making your will stronger than his and――that sort of thing.” “You ask if I believe in it? Why, yes, I do. After all, Mr. Bingham, there’s nothing new in it, you know. History’s full of it.”