As the Purple Five’s score climbed, Pat became even more flashy and bold. He’d shove Chips aside to snatch the ball, and twice he jabbed him with his elbow. Twice the referee warned him for roughness. Then he called a personal foul.
A howl of indignation went up from the section of Bay Shore rooters.
“Served Pat right!” Chips muttered. “He’s been getting by with murder.”
He took his place on the freethrow line, waited for the noise to subside, and tossed the ball. It went through the netting, tallying a point for the Cubs.
After that, two other fouls were called in rapid succession on Pat. In each instance, the Cubs scored on the freethrow.
When the half finally ended, the score stood 10 to 5 in favor of the Purple Five.
As the boys rested, Mr. Veeley came around to speak to Pat.
“One more foul and you’ll be out of the game,” he warned. “Better watch it next half.”
The game began again and Pat observed the rules more carefully. But now, instead of trying repeatedly for the ball, he would bounce it lazily back and forth among his teammates. Clearly, the Bay Shore boys meant to play a delaying game.
“Break it up! Break it up!” shouted the rooters.