If you are tried at all, it will be in the box.

Heffiner is the only man we have, and he can't do all the work.
There will come times when he will be out of condition." To pitch on the regular ball team! To be given an opportunity when the great Heffiner proved out of condition! That was glory indeed.

No wonder Frank Merriwell tingled with excitement in every part of his body; but it was a wonder that he appeared so cool and self contained.
Pierson was surprised by the freshman's manner, for he had expected Frank to show excitement and delight.
"What sort of a fellow is this ?" he thought.

"Does he really understand me, or is he a little thick ?" Then he saw by Frank's fine and highly sensitive face that he could not be thick, and he began to perceive that the freshman had nerve.

That was one of the great requirements for a successful pitcher.
"I have spoken of this to you, Mr.Merriwell, so you may be keeping yourself in condition through the winter, as you will then stand all the better show of making a favorable impression when you are given a trial." "Thank you, sir." "If I were in your place I would not make any talk about it, for something may happen that you will not be given a trial, in which case it would be very humiliating if you had publicly stated that you were to have a show." "You may be sure I will say nothing about it, Mr.Pierson." "That is all.