Weegman came in boldly. His manner was ingratiating, yet somewhat insolent, and he chuckled as he saw the look of surprise on the face of Lefty Locke. "Well, well!" he said. "Here we are! This is first rate. Now we can get together and do things." To the southpaw's increasing astonishment, Kennedy stepped forward quickly, seized Weegman's hand, and shook it cordially and heartily. "I wired for Locke," said the old manager. "I felt sure I could talk sense into his head. Didn't like to see him make a fool of himself and let a great opportunity slip through his fingers just because of a false notion about loyalty to me. But I didn't expect you before to-morrow." Lefty was a trifle bewildered. Kennedy had known Weegman was coming to Indianapolis; in fact, had arranged to meet him there. Collier's representative beamed on Locke. "Sorry I couldn't wait to see the finish of that game in Fernandon," he said; "but I saw enough to satisfy me. You did well to beat the Wind Jammers with that bunch of half invalids behind you, and your own arm all to the bad. Still, Wiley sort of handed you the game." "The score was three to two," reminded Lefty. "The Wind Jammers couldn't hit. They were a lot of freaks, a burlesque baseball team." Weegman turned again to old Jack. "If you can talk some sense into Locke, you'll succeed where I failed. I wasted time, money, and breath on him; gave him up then. Let me tell you a joke." He began to laugh, and the southpaw writhed inwardly. "Who do you think wants to manage the Blue Stockings? You can't guess? Well, it's Skullen; yes, Mit Skullen. Actually came after the job. Got me cornered and gave me a great game of talk, trying to convince me that he could fill the bill. I was listening to his spiel when I caught a glimpse of you two passing the door of my room. Called the desk and asked the number of your room. Then I shook old Mit and came around. The idea of Mit Skullen managing a Big League club! Isn't that funny?" His whole body shook with merriment as he spoke. Kennedy seemed to be amused also, and joined in Weegman's laughter. "Wonder what Tom Garrity would say to that? Skullen must have forgotten his old nemesis, John Barleycorn. It was John that put him down and out as a prize fighter and a ball player." "He says he hasn't looked at the stuff for four months. You should have heard him trying to convince me that he had the makings of a great manager." Lefty knew Weegman was lying regarding the nature of the private consultation that had been held in a nearby room. But Kennedy seemed to be unaware of this. "You wouldn't take Skullen under any conditions, would you?" asked old Jack. "I wouldn't have him if he was ready to pay to manage the team. Collier would lift my scalp if I fell for anything like that. But I've got a line on a good man if--if--" He faltered, and looked at Locke, smiling.