The Saturday forenoon following their conversation regarding Frank Foley found Joe and his chum leaning against the counter in Cummings and Wright’s hardware store. Jack was purchasing a new sweater and Joe was assisting at the task. Joe would have liked just such a garment as Jack was choosing, himself, but the next division of profits was a long way off and until that occurred he was bound to be in straitened circumstances. Jack had virtually decided on a handsome brown sweater with a broad band of blue across the chest and Tom Pollock, who had momentarily absented himself to sell a “Junior League” ball to a grammar school youth, returned to inquire: “This one, Jack?” Jack nodded doubtfully. “I guess so, Tom. It’s sort of heavy for spring, but I suppose I’d better buy one that’ll be all right for next fall, too.” Tom agreed, adding: “The new uniforms will be along next week, I think. They’re going to be the best ever. I’m getting them from a different maker this year and he’s putting a lot better material into them. You’ll need one, I suppose, Faulkner.” Joe smiled “I’d like to think so,” he replied, “but I’m not counting on it.” “You might as well,” said Jack. “You’ll get in as a sub, anyway. Don’t you say so, Tom?” “I hope so. I haven’t seen Faulkner work, as a matter of fact, Jack. Anyhow, with all due respect to Bat, I think it’s the outdoor work that shows a chap up.” “That’s what I say,” agreed Jack. “Fellows who can lay down the cutest, darlingest little bunts on the cement floor swing like gates when they get out on the turf and have the sky in front of them instead of the wall of the cage. I’ve seen it happen often.” “Still,” demurred Joe, “it seems to me all that work indoors must be of some value. Don’t you consider it is, Pollock?” “Oh, yes, I do. I think it’s fine for getting fellows in shape and on edge, especially for the new chaps. What I mean is that when it comes to actual playing the conditions out of doors are so different that a fellow has to practically start all over again. At least that’s been my experience. I’m talking of batting and fielding, you understand, and not pitching. A pitcher can get his wing in shape anywhere there’s room. Although, at that, I think working in the air is away ahead of working down there with the steam pipes.” “Do you think we’ll get out next week?” inquired Jack. “Yes, I wouldn’t be surprised if we started Monday. Sam tells me the field’s in pretty good shape; a bit soft in places, but nothing much.” Tom chuckled as he snapped the string around the bundle and laid it in front of Jack. “Mr. Hall told a funny yarn one day in here, fellows. You don’t know him, maybe, Faulkner, but you will soon. He’s a dandy chap, and a double-dyed ‘fan.’” “I’ve seen him,” replied Joe. “He knows the right place to buy cigars.”