CHAPTER VIII
ON THE SERVICE LINE
Clasping hands, the Tramp Boys formed a ring about Harriet, Sam among the number, and danced and sang as they swung about her, to all of which she protested laughingly.
“Save your congratulations until after we have practised for a few weeks. We shall be better able to judge then what the prospects are.”
“But you said you were going to win,” cried Dill, excitedly. “You know you did.”
“I still say so,” returned Harriet Burrell.
“Then don’t give us shivers up and down our backs by such statements as ‘save your congratulations,’” advised Billy. “We’ll congratulate now and cry later if we have to. Let’s start in practising at once.”
“Not to-night. The girls are getting supper. Besides, it is too late in the day; they couldn’t see the ball,” answered George. “To-morrow, too, Sam’s nose will be better. He wouldn’t enjoy seeing a game now, anyway.”
“I’d enjoy seeing them play any old time, but you’ll excuse me if I get behind a tree somewhere when the serving and the volleying are going on. Once is enough for me, especially when Sister Tommy is on the line. Come, fellows, come home and get my supper.”
“Yes, please do, boys,” urged Harriet. “I want to think. You will agree that we have several things to think over between now and to-morrow, and a number of things to talk over together, too.”
Captain Baker shook hands with her.