“What’s the idea of the game anyhow?” asked Parker next.
“Well,” began Hal, looking at Parker to see if he was serious or joking. Parker was serious. “There are nine men on each side. One side goes out in the field and the other side is at bat. When there are three out they——”
“I thought you said nine were out,” broke in Parker.
“No, there are only three put out. I guess you were thinking about what I said that one team of nine players takes position in the field to catch the ball.”
“Does it take nine men to catch a ball?” asked Parker.
“No, only one,” said Hal, “but they have a man in each of the locations where the ball is likely to be hit.”
[The people in the seats in front turned around] to look at Parker [to see who it might be]. They wanted to see what a fellow looked like who was as ignorant of the great American game as he seemed to be. Just then the game began, the umpire said “play ball,” and after Hal had told him that the umpire was the judge of play, Hal and Parker directed their attention to the diamond. Presently the pitcher threw the ball. Ross was at bat. It was a ball and Ross didn’t strike at it.
[“The people in the stands turned around to see who it might be.”]
“Why didn’t he hit it?” asked Parker.