It was "Patterson, Patterson," all over the locker rooms while the ball men were dressing, with frequent mention of Ames, who had especially pleased the crowd, and an occasional word for Owen. The disappointment caused by the poor work of the First glorified by contrast the success of the Second. Rob had many questions to answer or evade. Wasn't he surprised at the way Patterson showed up? Was the pitcher really as good as he seemed? Could he hold his own against a strong nine? How was it that nobody knew anything about him before to-day? Before he escaped from the gymnasium Rob had replied to the same question a dozen times. Patterson was a good man--he told the questioners--who might always be trusted to give a good account of himself if he had a fair show. Rob did not explain that a fair show involved a suggestive and resourceful catcher, one who could guide and cheer the pitcher, as well as hold the ball and throw to bases. That would have been tantamount to asserting that Patterson's success had been due to his catcher, and Rob would never have taken this attitude even in his secret thoughts. Patterson certainly had the skill and the power; the difficulty was that he didn't understand how to use them. Outside the gymnasium Owen was hailed by Poole and Lyford. "You fellows gave us a shock to-day," said Poole. "I didn't enjoy it myself, but it's going to do us a lot of good. Lyford and I have talked things over and have agreed that we've got to make a place for you on the nine." Rob's heart was fluttering with a delightful anticipation which was reflected in his face. Were they really going to recognize the merit of his work? "Did you ever play in the outfield?" continued Poole. From joyful expectation to hopelessness, Rob's plunge was sudden and cruel. Only by a strong effort of will and by turning his head quickly away could he prevent his face from betraying him. "No, never. I've always caught or played first." "Well, you see, we've got a good catcher in Borland, who's had lots of experience and is a mighty steady man in a game; and with Weaver, who played first last year, and big Ames, who showed up so well in the game to-day, we're pretty well fixed for first basemen. So the only way seems to be to work you in somewhere in the outfield--say at right--as a regular thing; and then use you when necessary for substitute catcher." "You'd better take Rorbach," said Owen, almost sullenly. "He hits well and is used to the job." "We will, if he turns out to be better," returned Poole, with a smile, "but we'll try you first anyway. We shall have to ask you to turn Patterson over to Borland. If he gets on well with Patterson, we may want you to see what you can do with O'Connell." "If you could help him along as you did Patterson," said the coach, "you might make a good deal of him."