"Yes, I've got it, too," admitted Tom. "It's in the air, and I'm glad of it. What's that Shakespeare says about 'now is the winter of our discontent?'"
"Oh, cheese it! Don't begin spouting poetry. Besides I'm not sure it was Shakespeare, and I don't give a hang. All I know is that Spring is coming, and soon they'll begin getting the diamond in shape."
"Precious lot of good that will do you—or me, either. Hiram is as down on me as he is on you."
"I know it, and I was going to speak of that, Tom. There's no use in your losing a chance to play on the nine just because I'm on the outs. Why don't you cut loose from me? You can get another room, and maybe if you do—"
"Hold on!" cried Tom quickly. "Do you want me to go, old man?" and he looked sharply at Joe.
"Nonsense! Of course you know I don't."
"Then drop that kind of talk, unless you want a fight on your hands. You and I stick together, Hiram Shell or no Hiram Shell—and Luke Fodick."
"Well, I didn't know," spoke Joe softly.
"Here, come on; let's have a catch," proposed Tom. "I've got an old ball that we used in one
