“I suppose you count yourself among them,” said Hal with a sneer; “name them over, and when they play.”
“No, I don’t count myself among them,” said Tom, wishing he had sense enough to let things alone; but Aleck calling to Hal just then to choose an umpire, the mouse ran off once more.
The umpire and the scorer were soon chosen; the umpire pitched up a cent, which coming down in Aleck’s favor, gave him his choice of innings, and he of course chose the second.
As Hal was captain of his side, he struck first, and sent the ball a little beyond Tom, who was pitcher. Tom picked it up and threw it to the first-baseman, who caught it on the fly just as Hal was a single step from the base.
Tom halloed for judgment, but Hal was pronounced “not out” by the umpire.
“That isn’t fair,” said Tom.
“I say it is,” said Hal.
“It’s not. I wouldn’t play to it, Tom,” cried his left-fielder.
“Well, your side can get some one else, then,” said Hal.