Not much had been said at the meeting of the baseball club, but during the next few days many of the students of Oak Hall came out against Dave, Roger, and Gus Plum, saying they thought those three players had lost the game. This was not true, but the talk grew, and it made matters decidedly unpleasant for the trio of ball players.
"Phil, I think you had better try Purdy in the box at the next game," said Dave. "So many of the fellows seem to want him."
"And you can put Barloe behind the bat," added Roger. "I don't want to catch if somebody can do better."
"And I'll give up first base," said Plum.
"See here, if you are all going to resign I'll resign myself!" cried the manager of the nine. "This talk is all nonsense."
"But it is growing stronger," answered Dave. "And I must admit, Purdy is a good pitcher."
"Can he pitch as well as you?"
"I'd prefer to have others decide that question."
More talks like this followed, and when some of the other students got at Phil he began to waver.