“I mean just this,” went on the lad who was perhaps the closest of all on the nine to Hiram save Luke. “I mean that Hiram Shell isn’t here to defend himself, and you’re saying all sorts of mean things against him.”
“We intend to have him here—if he’ll come,” spoke Teeter significantly. “Luke, too. We want them to hear what we say about them.”
“You’re trying to disrupt the team!” yelled Jake, who had lost his temper.
“I am not! I’m trying to do anything to better the team. We ought to have won that game to-day, and you know it.”
“I know that I played my best!” shouted Jake, “and if you accuse me of——”
“Nobody’s accusing you,” put in Peaches.
Several lads were on their feet, all seeking to be heard. Teeter was vainly rapping with his gavel. It looked for a few moments as if there would be several fights, for lads were shaking their fists in each other’s faces.
“Why don’t you give Hiram a show?” demanded Jake. “Let him know this meeting is being held.”
“I sent word to him, but he didn’t come,” called Teeter, above the din.