“All right then. Now forget all about it, Ned. We’ll just go in to put the Military Academy nine where it belongs. You’re sure of the signals?”
“I can put you easy on that score.”
“I know it. Just look at the crowd,” Dan added as the two boys obtained their first view of the assembly. “I never played before a crowd like that!”
“You don’t mind?” asked Ned a little anxiously.
“I can tell you more about that a little later,” replied Dan quietly.
“Go right in and begin to warm up. We haven’t much time to spare.”
Both boys at once went upon the field—Ned to make certain that his players were ready, while Dan ran to one side of the diamond, where he began to pitch easily to Smith, who, for the time, was receiving the ball.
As Dan occasionally glanced at the spectators, he saw that almost numberless carriages and automobiles were in line on both sides. In front of them were men and boys close to the ropes. The seats in the grand stand were a solid mass of color. Indeed, seldom had the athletic field of the Tait School presented such a gay appearance as that which now greeted his eyes. If Dan was fearful, his manner did not betray his feeling; and when, after a brief delay, the umpires took their places and the Tait School nine, in accordance with the arrangement that the home team was to have the last inning, advanced to their positions in the field, no one apparently was more unconcerned than he. Sam Ventnor was short-stop in Walter’s place. Gus Kiggins loomed large at first base, Ned was behind the bat, Hodge at third base, and Smith was in left field. The ball was being swiftly thrown from one baseman to another, but the eyes of the visitors were all centered upon Dan as he slowly advanced to the pitcher’s box. The umpire signaled for the ball to be thrown him and as soon as he received it he slipped it into his pocket, tossed a new ball to Dan, and called sharply, “Play ball!”
The first game of the series in the new league was begun.
“Ball!” called the umpire as Dan sent the first ball swiftly to the outstretched hands of Ned.