CHAPTER VIII

SHELDON’S SUCCESSOR

SHELDON’S withdrawal from the School made Edward’s position in one respect easier: Jim Payne, who had been displeased by his refusal to play baseball, was now mollified. He came to Edward that very day and said, “Well, I suppose I can’t blame you any longer if you insist on rowing.”

“I certainly hope you won’t blame me,” Edward answered.

“I suppose, with Sheldon gone, you’ll be needed in the boat about as much as on the nine,” Payne conceded. “I wish there were two of you, Edward.”

“I guess you think I’m a great deal better than I am.”

“No, I don’t. I remember the first time I ever saw you stand up to bat, and I knew right off what you could do. You can’t fool me; I know a natural-born hitter when I see