"Better than ever--better than ever. I guess you know about the no-hit game he pitched last year--the last game he played?" "Tell me something about that kid I don't know," boasted Mr. Birdseye. "I've followed him from the time he first broke in." "Then you know he's there with the pipes?" "The pipes?" "Sure--the educated larynx, the talented tonsils, the silver-lined throat--in other words, the gift of song." "Why, I didn't know he sang," owned Mr. Birdseye, a mite puzzled. "That's it--let a fellow do one thing better than anybody else, and they forget his other accomplishments. Sing? Well, rather! And punish old John J. Mandolin, too, if anybody should ask you." So saying, the speaker drew forth a bulldog pipe and proceeded to load it from a leather tobacco case. "I don't have to keep in condition, seeing as I'm merely running things," he explained. "But you bet I make my flock keep in condition--no boozing and mighty little cigarette smoking for them while their little papa's eye is on them." "I've always heard you were strong for discipline," said Mr. Birdseye, plastering the flattering unction on thickly. "I have to be, with a rowdy outfit like this one. Look yonder--that's a sample of the way they carry on when the bridle is off." Three of these temporarily unhaltered colts had captured the car porter. Two held him fast while the third massaged his woolly scalp with hard knuckles. Half a dozen more shouted advice to the operator. The porter broke away and fled, his expression betraying that he hardly knew whether to feel indignant or complimented. Mr. Birdseye saw that the volunteer masseur, now approaching them, had coal-black hair and snapping black eyes, and a skin the colour of polished cherry. "That's the Chief coming, of course?" opined Mr. Birdseye. His tone was filled with reverence. "Sh-h, don't let him hear you. If I had a big Indian whatyoumaycallim for a grandfather I'd advertise it, but he's a little touchy on the subject. Great boy though--one of the best." "Part Pawnee, ain't he?" "No; Parsee, I think."