CHAPTER XIV
THE STEAM OF THE BATSMAN
All of Dick & Co. had made the High School nine, though not all as star players in their positions.
Holmes had won out for left field, and Hazelton for shortstop. As far as the early outdoor practice showed, the latter was going to be the strongest man of the school in that important position.
Dalzell and Reade became first and second basemen.
During the rest of March practice proceeded briskly. Six days in every week the youngsters worked hard at the field in the afternoons. When it rained they put in their time at the gym.
On the second of April Coach Luce called a meeting of the baseball squad at the gym.
"We're a week, now, from our first game, gentlemen," announced the coach. "I want you all to be in flawless condition from now on. I will put a question to you, now, on your honor. Has any man broken training table?"
No one spoke or stirred. Ripley, who had gotten over the worst of his sulks, was present, but he did not admit any of his many breaches of the training table diet that he was pledged to follow at home.
"Has any man used tobacco since training began?" continued the coach.