Just as Hal was ready to assign the players to their workouts, Bronson, clad in a natty blue uniform, approached the captain.
Instantly all the other boys gathered around.
"With your permission, Mr. Church, I should like to try for pitcher," said Bronson, flushing under the gaze of the other candidates.
A gasp of amazement ran through the crowd at these words, and many were the whispered comments.
"Ever played?" asked Hal, trying to conceal his surprise.
"Two years."
"Where?"
"I pitched at Hodgson's Military School."
"Are you the Bronson who never lost a game for his team?" exclaimed the captain, hope mingled with his astonishment.
"Yes; but it was the support I received that enabled me to establish such a record," rejoined the boy.