"But we'll give you your choice if you have any," Dick insisted.
"We'd rather go to bat," Hi observed.
"Then, Mr. Umpire," continued Dick, turning to Tozier, "the Centrals
choose the field."
"Get to your places," nodded Ben. "Martin at bat; Percival on
deck," called the score-keeper.
Dick ran down to the pitcher's box, while Greg, slipping on mask
and glove, took up his position behind the plate.
Tozier carelessly broke the seal on the package enclosing a ball,
inspected it, and dropped it into Dick's hands. Dick threw an
overshoot to Greg, who mitted it neatly.
But Ted Teall could not let the occasion go by without some nonsense.
"Whack!" shouted Teall. "Woof! Did you hear it strike? And
it hurt, too. Who has the arnica bottle?"
There was laughter, but Dick ignored it, sending in a neat drive
over the plate. Greg caught it and sent the ball back.
As it once more reached Dick's hand Umpire Tozier shouted:
"Ready! Play ball!"
Greg Holmes signaled what he wanted. Dick gave the ball a twist,
and the game was on.
Chapter V
NORTH GRAMMARS PLAY REAL BALL
"Say, dress a kid up swell, and send him on the street---did you
ever know him to be any good?" demanded Ted Teall scornfully of
those who stood near him.
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