“Why not?”
“Well, in the first place, I have too many back lessons to make up, and in the second place, I hope to graduate this coming June, and I want to make a record for myself, if possible.” 96
“But you can do that and play on the nine, too,” urged the manager.
“I don’t think so. I’d like to play,” continued our hero, wistfully, “but I don’t see how I can.”
“This isn’t fair, Porter. We really need you.”
“Oh, it isn’t as bad as that,” returned Dave, with a faint smile. “You’ve got Gus Plum to pitch, and some of the others. There are plenty of good ball-players here this term.”
“I don’t know about that,” answered the manager, with a grave shake of his head. “I wish you’d come in.”
“Not this year,” said Dave; and then the two separated.
Phil and Roger were likewise urged to try for the nine, but they followed Dave’s example. Then a tentative nine was formed, with Gus Plum as pitcher, and also a “scrub” nine, with one of the newcomers to Oak Hall in the box. Practice was to start on Wednesday afternoon of the following week.
“Too bad we couldn’t take part,” sighed the shipowner’s son. “I’d like to wallop the Rockville Military Academy fellows just once more!”