Locke shook it off instantly. "Were I as big a rascal as you, Weegman," he said, with limitless contempt, "I'd make a dash through that door. Thank Heaven, I'm not!" The baffled man snapped his fingers. "You are using language you'll regret!" he harshly declared, although he maintained his smiling demeanor to such a degree that any one a few yards distant might have fancied the conversation between the two was of the pleasantest sort. Lefty returned to the coaching line, taking the place of Tremain; for Wiley had issued a pass to Hallett, Watson was at bat, and the doctor followed Watson. Instantly sizing up the situation, the southpaw signaled for a double steal, and both runners started with the first movement of the pitcher's delivery. Schaeffer's throw to third was not good, and Sommers slid under. Hallett had no trouble about reaching second. "What are you trying to pull off here?" cried the manager of the Wind Jammers. "Such behavior is most inconsiderate, or words to that effect. However it simply makes it necessary for me to inject a few more kinks into the horsehide." Admittedly he did hand up some peculiar curves to Watson, but his control was so poor that none of the twisters came over and like Hallett, the left fielder walked. This peopled the corners. "Here," said Wiley, still chipper and undisturbed, "is that jolly soul who obligingly batted an easy one into my fin the last time. I passed the last hitter in order to get at this kind party again." Tremain let one pitch go by, but the next one pleased him, and he cracked the ball on the nose. It was a two-base drive, which enabled the runners already on to score. As the three raced over the plate, one after another, Wiley was seen violently wigwagging toward the bench. In response to his signal, Mysterious Jones rose promptly and prepared to warm up with the second catcher. "I'm off to-day; perhaps I should say I'm awful," admitted the Marine Marvel. "A spazoozum like that is sufficient to open my eyes to the humiliating fact that I'm not pitching up to class. In a few minutes, however, you'll have an opportunity to see Mr. Jones uncork some of the real stuff." Wiley dallied with the next batter for the purpose of giving the dummy pitcher time to shake the kinks out of his arm. Apparently Jones did not need much time in which to get ready, for when the sailor presently dealt out another pass the relief twirler signified his willingness to assume the burden. As Jones walked out upon the diamond, Locke looked around vainly for Weegman. It was possible, of course, that Collier's private secretary had departed at once following his last rebuff, but somehow Lefty felt that he was still lingering and taking pains not to be seen by Mysterious Jones. Suddenly the southpaw felt a desire to bring the two men face to face, wondering what would happen. There was more than a possibility that such a meeting might present some dramatic features.