“Yaw,” nodded Hans, “you hat pegun to think I vos nod in id, but ven you got der sdart der odder veller on I seen how der peesness peen goin’ to end. You vos a lulu, Vrankie!”
Hans’ dialect caused those in his vicinity to smile or laugh outright.
Frank came ashore, and immediately he was surrounded by the ball players.
“Mr. Merriwell,” said the captain of the Newport team, “we would like to have you umpire the game for us this afternoon. It begins right away.”
“It will be a great favor, Mr. Merriwell,” declared the captain of the M. C. I.’s, with more politeness. “I assure you we shall regard it as a great favor.”
“The position is not a pleasant one,” said Frank. “I’d much rather look on and see the game.”
“We will pay you if you——” began the Newport captain.
Frank stopped him.
“You cannot hire me for money to umpire,” he said, promptly. “If I did so——”
“Will you?” cried several.