"She'll get in a box, fast enough!"
"Send her out in the field—to grass!"
"Don't do that; she's the same color, and it would mix everybody up!"
This was more than high-spirited Gay could bear in silence, and he shouted:
"When you get over your bad attack of mouth I'll show you my real color! Unless you're color-blind you won't call it green!"
This quick and truly unfeminine reply so amazed the Plainville boys that they ceased to jeer, and Ned Payne took the time to say:
"I've seen her play."
This quiet remark was more convincing than a long description of Gay's good points. "I've seen her play" hinted at remarkable achievements. There were a few more comments, the reverse of complimentary or chivalrous, but they were promptly frowned down, and cries of "Play ball!" once more rent the air.
Gay was placed, and he was the first to go to the bat.
The pitcher smiled, as if to say, "Fair, high, or low ball, it will be just the same to a girl, I guess."