Arnold accepted the simile doubtfully. “Well, he was some peeved, anyhow. He says you didn’t play fair, but I told him——”
“I didn’t,” responded Toby.
“Well, no more did we.”
“That wasn’t any reason for my pulling that raw trick, though. The trouble was that I got mad at being caught off third like that, and wanted to get square.”
“Well, I don’t blame you. That hide-the-ball business was got up by Frank and Phillips. I didn’t know anything about it until they pulled it. I don’t like that sort of piffle. Toby, I say if you’re going to play ball, why, play ball!”
“Yes, we both—both teams, I mean—played baby. I wished afterward I hadn’t done it. Even when you win like that you don’t really feel right about it. Anyway, I don’t.”
“Shucks, what’s the odds! I’ll own I was sort of sore yesterday, but now I’m glad you did it. It was only what we deserved. Besides, it’s made Frank so grouchy he can’t see straight. He’s going to keep the team going and try to get you fellows to play again. He called me a quitter and got quite nasty about it.”
“If he keeps at it long enough,” observed Toby dryly, “he’s bound to beat us. What time is it?”
“Twenty-five to ten,” answered Arnold. “We don’t have to sit here, so let’s go over and see how the boat’s getting on. Say, I wish we could think of a name for her.”