Who knows? Any way, there's from fifty to a hundred a month even in these Ohio and Michigan teams, and that'll do to start with. You just take this from me: there'll be a comfortable home for mother, you'll go to college, and later I'll get into business. It's all settled. What do you think of it?"

"It's great!" exclaimed Will, slamming down his book. There was a flame in his eyes.

Mrs. Alloway dropped her hands. She was persuaded. That from Will was the last straw. Tears began to fall.

Mother, don't be unhappy," said Chase. " I am suited for something bet!ter than factory work. There's a big chance for me here. Mind you, I'm only seventeen. Suppose I play ball for a few years: I'll save my money, and when I'm twenty-two or twenty-five I can start a business of my own. It looks good to me!"

" But, my boy - if it - ruins you!" " I don't like to see Chase leave us," said Will, "but I'm not afraid of that."

Mrs. Alloway dried her eyes, called up her smile, and told them she was not afraid of it either. Thereafter her composure did not leave her, though her sensitive lips quivered when she saw Chase packing a small grip.

" I don't want to take much," he mused, "and most of all I'll want my glove and ball-shoes. Will, isn't it lucky about the shoes that college man gave me? They're full of spikes. I've never played in them, but I tried them on, and I 'll bet I can run like a streak in them."

It was not long after that when he kissed his mother as she followed him to the doorway. Will limped after him a little way down the path and shook hands for the tenth time. His eyes were wet as his mother's, but Chase's were bright and had a bold look.

" Chase, I never saw any one who could run and throw like you, and I believe you'll make the greatest player in the whole country. Don't forget.

It'll be hard at first. But you hang on! Hang on ! There! Good luck ! Good-bye! "

Chase turned at the corner of the street and waved to them. There was a lump in his throat which was difficult to swallow. But it was too late to go back, so he struck out bravely.

Chapter II.

RIDING AWAY.

THE fact that Chase had no objective point in mind did not detract from the new and absorbing charm of his situation. No more would he breathe the dust-laden air nor hear the din of the factory. He was free; free to go where he listed, to see new people and places, to find his fortune. He crushed back the pain in his throat; he reconciled himself to the parting from his mother and brother by the assurance that so he could serve them best.

It was twilight when he reached the railroad tracks, where he stopped momentarily. Would he go to the left or to the right? A moment only did he tarry undecided; after all, there was only one course for him to start on and keep to, whether of direction or purpose, and that was to the right.

Darkness had settled down by the time he came to the outskirts of the town, and now secure in the belief that he would not be seen, he stopped to wait for a train. It was out of the question for him to think of riding in a passenger train. That cost money; and he must save what little he had.