CHAPTER XXIII
A GREAT GAME
A grand stand was not an accomplished fact at Hazelnook, but for all practical purposes the upper rail of the fence surrounding Farmer Clarke's field was as good a position for the enthusiasts as seats on the bleaching boards. The spectators, therefore, that were gathered together to witness the game between the Plainvilles and the home team sat on the fence like a row of birds on a telegraph wire, and among them were Ned Payne and a large party from Plainville. Gay was not there; he was on the diamond in close conversation with Captain Carver.
"You know about what I can do," Gay was saying, at the very moment the game was advertised to begin.
Lyman was silent; his sense of propriety was not largely developed, and since he had known Gay he had lost all prejudice against the presence of the gentler sex in the field of sport, but he was not certain that all those present would share his views.
"They may think it odd to see a girl play," he said at length.
"No matter about that," Gay said, carelessly. "I don't think they'll say much about it!"
"Play ball, can't you?" shouted the boys on the fence.