All will be allowed to go and
see the great, the glorious game."
Then, after a pause, Old Dut added dryly:
"I haven't the heart to keep any one after school to-day. I am
going to the game myself."
At this statement a laugh rippled around the room. Then every
boy and girl settled down to the serious business of the day.
At three o'clock Old Put announced:
"If Captain Prescott so desires, he may withdraw now with his
team, in order to have time to dress and get oiled up on the diamond."
"I thank you, sir, for that permission," responded Dick, rising
at once. He was followed by the other players.
"Go out a little more quietly, if you please---that's all," called
Old Dut.
On tiptoe the members of the squad stole upstairs to the exhibition
hall. There they quickly got into their uniforms, next stowing
their street clothing in a closet, the key of which the principal
had supplied to Captain Dick Prescott.
In thoughtful silence Dick led his small host from the schoolhouse
to the diamond. When they had halted by the benches Dick began:
"Now, fellows, each of you keep steadily in mind what we have
at stake this afternoon."
"Yes, sirree!" grinned Dan Dalzell. "If we win to-day we're going
to learn what the man on the clubhouse steps said.
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