"'I think he'll be overpaid,' Mr. Somers says. "'I don't think that is so wonderful,' I said. 'And as for being overpaid, I get that much right now from the ice cream company, and in addition I get to eat all the ice cream I want.'" "So it really wasn't an honorable offer," tsked Ozma. "Did they raise their offer?" "No," replied the shadow with a sad expression. "They wouldn't increase their price. And I wouldn't reduce mine. So I left and went home. On my way home, though, I stopped in this sporting-goods store at 724 Prospect Avenue. It was owned by Bill Bradley and Ryan ... Phylli ... --I mean, Charlie Carr. Charlie managed and played first base for Indianapolis in the American Association. Bill, as I think I may have mentioned before, played third base for Cleveland. "Anyway, when I walked in the door, Bill Bradley said, 'Hello, Big Leaguer. I understand that the boss wants to sign you up.' "'Not me,' I said. 'He wouldn't pay me as much as I already make with the ice cream company.' "'You know,' said Charlie Carr, 'I manage the Indianapolis Club.' "'I know that,' I said. After all, everybody knew that! "'How would you like to sign with me?' Charlie said with a smile. "'You're in the minor leagues,' I replied. 'If a major league club won't pay me what I want, how could you do it?' "'How much do you want?' he wanted to know. "I took a deep breath and then answered, 'Two hundred a month.' "'Wow!' he said. 'You want all the money, don't you?' "'No,' I told him. 'But you want a good pitcher, don't you?' "'Yes,' he answered simply. "'Well, I said, I'm one.'" The five Ozites laughed at this, and the shadow smiled. He was actually beginning to fear that he was giving them too many details and that his story may be becoming long-winded and dull. But seeing that he was not boring his listeners, he continued: "He agreed to my terms, of course. So right then I signed my first professional contract, with Indianapolis of the American Association. "When I got home that night I had to tell my dad about it, because I was to leave for Indianapolis the very next day. Oh, that was a terrible night! Finally, Dad said, 'Now listen, I've told you time and time again that I don't want you to be a professional ballplayer. But you've got your mind made up. Now I'm going to tell you something: when you cross that threshold, don't come back. I don't ever want to see you again.'" "No!" said Ozma with a start. "No way! No father would say such a thing to his own son!" "That was just what my father said to me," said Rube sadly. "He didn't want me to come home again. I was excommunicated from the family." "That's awful!" said Lisa. "Parents do have a certain responsibility toward any children that they brought into the world! He was a skinflint and a creep!" "Yes," agreed Rube. "His actions that day were like those of a regular skunk!" "I've known some very nice skunks in my day," said Hootsey.