The Captain of the Nine

MP3 Audio CD. Chapter 9

The Missing Catcher

Melon in the language of the campus was nursing a grouch he scowled that those who tried to be friendly and he drove from him. Those who did not forget that it was his hit that had won the game. He saw no cause for rejoicing in the victory over marshal and he took no part in the celebration that followed. The second baseman felt that he was the victim of outrageous circumstances. He had made good yet just when his star should have been shining the brightest, Bartley had to make a lucky discovery and walk off with all the honors.

However Melon had one ray of consolation while the nine knew what had happened on the bench. The campus was in ignorance the nine had a reputation for keeping its affairs to itself. The boy hoped that Bartley's exploit will produce no change for if either the eagle at patriot the school papers learned of what had happened, he was sure they would become unduly excited.

The Eagle was the first to appear, it gave Curtis Hardy and Melon credit for the win. The second baseman sighed with relief so far. All was well that day at the practice he played with the speed of a healthy, fully developed Kansas cyclone. The Patriot came out two days later. Melon bought his copy with a queer little sense of dread. On his way to a recitation he opened it and held it so that he could scan the front page. A bank of blackface headlines beat into his eyes, Captain Bartley's brains triumph over marshal. Melon folded the paper and put it in this pocket. He longed to crumple it trample it and kick it into the gutter. Afraid of attracting attention he carried it to his classroom. He found the room in something of an uproar. Is that true about Bartley? Demanded an excited student. Don't bother me, growled Melon. The student backed away. What's the matter?