“He’ll do it,” said Walter confidently.
“I’ve been talking with Samson,” said Ned, “and he says we can begin the inter-form games next week. The first game will be between the first and second forms, fellows. I’ll tell you, Dan, that Gus Kiggins—he’s the first-form pitcher—will put you on your mettle. He’s been substitute pitcher on the school nine two years, and he’s sore because Red Chandler came in last year and won out as the regular pitcher. He doesn’t know that you are here or that you can pitch——”
“He will at the end of the first inning,” declared Walter.
“I hope so, with all my heart.”
“Look here,” said Dan in a low voice, “you aren’t going to put me in as the pitcher of the second-form nine, are you?”
“Correct,” said Ned.
“But you haven’t tried me. You don’t know whether I can do it or not. I don’t know myself——”
“I do,” said Walter.
Dan shook his head as he said quietly, “Walter is not the best judge.”
“I’m captain of the second-form nine,” said Ned. “I’ll give you a chance to make good. If you don’t——”