As any boy in good standing was eligible, the gymnasium was well filled when Hal Church, who had been elected captain at the close of the previous season, greeted the candidates.
"First, I'll take the names of those who played last year," he announced.
Quickly the boys came forward, each stating the position for which he intended to try.
Among the first to enroll was Bart, who declared he was out for pitcher. Then followed Lefty, third base; Shorty Sims, shortstop; Taffy, right field; Sandow, first base, and Fred, who signified his intention of trying for second base.
"Don't put him down; he threw my football game to Landon," growled Bart.
If a bomb had been dropped among the boys, no greater consternation could have been produced than by this remark.
"You know better than that, Montgomery," shouted Sandow above the babel of voices.
"Do you mean to tell me if Fred had played we wouldn't have won?" demanded Bart angrily.
"No, I don't."
"I thought not," sneered the rich bully.