Yale Murphy, the Great Short-Stop — page 3: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

No. 87. NEW YORK FIVE CENT LIBRARY. 3 — ——— It was late in ‘the morning now, and several other mem- bers of the Southland team were in the field. Among them were Eddie Williams, Bat Bellows, who was called Bat, because he was one of the heaviest bats men on the team, and Harry Short. In addition there were Jim Flower, Edwin Glass, and Ned Stone. These boys completed the Southland team. _ So anxious were the villagers to see the game that they had made up a purse and purchased a.banner which was to be given to the nine. In addition they offered a handsome gold watch to the boy playing the best uniform game. As the whistle blew for the noon hour, Billy Bunce _ threw down his‘bat and ran like a deer for home. The other boys followed. ‘That afternvon was a general holiday in the village. It was Saturday, and the boys did not have to go to school. | On ordinary occasions the store- -keepers kept: open shop, but they knew that with a ball game of such great interest there would be no business, and “with their wives and families they agreed that the best place to spend the after- noon would be at the grounds. As Midge Murphy and Charlie Peters jogged home, Midge asked : - “ Are you going to try for that watch, Charlie?” “You bet Iam. Are you?” | : “Midge Murphy smiled. He did not answer Charlie at once, but when he came to his house, he cried : “So long. I will see you this afternoon. ” While Midge was eating his dinner, he was thinking to himself : | ‘What a nice thing it would be for me if I could win that watch.” CHAPTER II. MIDGE MURPHY’S MASCOT. “What a beautiful day fora ball game,” said Midget Murphy to himself after dinner, as he briskly walked in the direction of the ball-field. It was, indeed, a beautiful day. It was the middle of May. The heavy foliage on the great oak trees that shaded the village streets was very green. Robins flitted here and there, making a joyous song. The robbins could not have been any more happy than Midget Murphy, as he walked rapidly along. Midge still had his mind on that watch. He arrived early at the ball-grounds. So anxious was he to reach there in time that he swal- lowed his dinner faster than he had ever done. He had not long to wait, however. Bat Bellows and Harry Short walked up arm-in-arm, ‘What time do you expect the Bridgewater boys, Harry,” Midge asked. “They should be here at two o’clock.” «What time is it now?” asked Bat Bellows. Harry Short took out a little silver watch his mother had given him the previous Christmas. Midge noticed the action. He was ay no means an envious boy, but he always ad- raired Harry’s watch very much, and told himself that when he could save money enough he would buy one just like it. But now since the Southland tradespeople had offered a watch to the individual player making the best score, he told himself he might, if he had good luck, secure it. Harry Short told him it was just one o’clock. “Why, we have only got an hour to wait, boys,” said Midge, as an expr ession of enthusiasm spread over his face. “Hadn't we better be getting into our uniforms ?” “No,” spoke up Bat Bellows. “Let us wait for Billy Bunce.” “You need not wait long,” said Harry Short, who was watching a bend in the road, “for here comes Billy and Charlie Peters.” ~ . The other players now began to arrive from different directions. Eddie Williams, Jim Flower, Ned Stone, and- Edwin Glass were already on the field. “Are weall.here, boys?” asked the captain, as he looked at the group. “Yes, captain, we’re all here.” “No, we’re not,” cried Bat Bellows. Peters?” “Yes, where is Charlie waked asked the ‘captain. “He was with me a moment ago.’ “Oh, I’m here!” cried a cheerful voice. to——”’ “I know what he waited for,” cried Harry Short. “Look here, Harry, that don’t go,” said Charlie. Charlie had stopped ata little wooden cottage, almost hidden by tall trees and creeping vines. “Where i Charlie “T only waited _ Sitting. on the porch of the cottage was a young girl - named Rose Short. Surrounding her on all sides were — flowers. Within reach were pretty morning glories. These drooped slightly. They had been awake since early morning, and even the presence of the fresh, rosy girl could not keep their eyes open. Rose was the sister of Harry Short. Harry and Charlie were good friends. Charlie admired Rose very much, although thore was another young girl farther up the village street, for whom he had a more tender affection. He knew that between Midge and Rose a feeling stronger than that of brother and sister existed. He also knew that Midge lad not seen Rose that day, and he had stopped fora moment to ask her if she in- tended to view the ball game that afternoon. “Does Midge play?” she asked, eagerly, as the. hands which held the delicate embr Sugary dropped into her lap. ‘Yes, he plays short-stop.” | “ Of course I’ll come.” “Don’t forget now. Good-by.” Ags Charlie was about to turn away, Rose said : “Oh, Charlie, would you mind doing me a favor?" “No, I’ll do anything I can for you, Rose.” ‘Will you take this to Midge?” As the girl spoke, she jumped lightly from her seat and ran to a rose-bush. Picking one of the largest and most beautiful roses she could find, she gave 1t to Charlie Peters. “Will you——” ml \NOO|KKS.ECO (C(O) (C