While the religious race was taking place, Swiftwing suddenly appeared at Frank’s side.
“If you wish to play ball,” he said, “you may have a chance. Bring your friends. Come.”
Frank spoke to the boys, all of whom, with the exception of Browning, were eager for the sport.
Bruce grumbled a little, but followed Frank.
Swiftwing led them away, but he had found time to speak a word in Inza Burrage’s ear, and Frank had noted this.
Merry saw Inza start a little and then shake her head, while her face grew pale and she pressed nearer to her aunt.
“I wonder what the fellow said to her,” thought Frank, who was far from pleased. “She would not tell me if I asked her, so I’ll have to continue to wonder.”
The young Indian led the boys to a place not far from the bower, but beyond the crowd of spectators.
“The ball game will be for sport,” he said, “and, as you do not know just how Indians play ball, I have decided that you shall be divided. Four of you will play on one side, and five on the other. The rest of the players will be Indians, and there will be twenty on a side. They are preparing now. Get ready, for the game will begin right after the race.”
So, with much joking among themselves, the boys pulled off their sweaters and prepared for the race.