"Oh, very well. Now go to your seat and see that you behave yourself," and Harry went, glad to get away thus easily. During all of that day the principal watched the boy closely, but Harry was on his guard and took care not to do anything for which he might be censured.
After school the majority of the boys went off to play ball and other games, but Harry slipped away by himself and did not get home until supper time.
"Where have you been?" asked Joe.
"Oh, I've been out about that hat," answered Harry, and would say no more.
"The boys are talking baseball club stronger than ever," said Joe, a little later. "Fred has an idea we could get up a fine nine if we tried."
"Well, if we want a good nine for this summer we'll have to get together pretty soon. It takes lots of practice to make a nine work together—and that is what counts, they tell me."
"To be sure it does. No matter how good individual players are, if they can't play in harmony they are sure to botch a game. Frank was telling me that the Brookside fellows are in practice already. George Dixon is captain of the club."
"He's a good batter."
"Yes, and a good shortstop, too. Roy Willetts is their pitcher. They tell me he can pitch a swift ball."
"And who is going to catch for them?"