Turning abruptly, he hurried over to a telephone booth and shut himself in. The instant the manager’s back was turned Buck Fargo groaned. “What the devil did you tell him for?” he said sadly. “I’m afraid you’ve gone and done for yourself, kid. I have never seen the old man in such a temper since Billy Smith sold a game to the Pinks last spring.” “I wanted to lie,” the youngster confessed, “but I simply couldn’t, Buck.” “You’re awful particular! Who do you s’pose done it, that cur Elgin?” “I can’t think of any one else equal to it,” Lefty answered. “It wouldn’t be the first miserable trick he’s worked.” He broke off as a door slammed and Brennan came striding toward them, his eyes savage and his face the color of a beet. “I knew it!” he said. “No such message went through the office.” He paused a second, his legs spread wide apart, regarding Lefty with a cold, contemptuous scrutiny. “I’m through with you!” he burst out, at length. “I can put up with a lot, but I haven’t any use for a quitter. I thought you was one when I first saw you, but now I know. You skipped out to-day because you were afraid――nothing else. You pretty near pulled me with that tale of yours――but not quite. You fooled me with that dirty spiking trick, too, but I’m wise now. I’m done with you! Go back to the bushes or the hot place, whichever you prefer!” He wheeled round and took a few steps across the lobby. Suddenly he turned back. “Mebbe you’re thinking of that fine offer you say was made by the Blue Stockings?” he sneered. “I wouldn’t give much for your chances with Jack Kennedy.” Lefty’s eyes were blazing. His lips parted for a hot retort, but he seemed to change his mind and choke it down. For an instant he stood absolutely still. Then, slowly, he turned and looked at Fargo. Neither man spoke. CHAPTER XXXVI DROPPED OUT OF SIGHT The quickness with which a man can be forgotten is never flattering to his self-esteem. For a full month Lefty Locke had been a member of the Hornets’ training camp squad. During all that time he had been well liked by the majority of the older men, and admitted by some to terms of intimacy which are rarely accorded a new recruit. Ever since the strenuous contest with the team of Texas bushers his fellow cubs had also made him one of them in every sense of the word. Then came the catastrophe. For a brief space his name was in every mouth. The players took sides on the question of Brennan’s judgment, some contending that the manager was right, others voicing their continued faith in the disgraced player.