The pitcher took his position in the box, but the captain strolled toward centre field at a snail’s pace.
“Hurry up there now,” ordered the umpire. “I’ll give you till I count ten to get out in the field. If you’re not there by that time, I’ll put you out of the game.”
“I’m going, am I not?” retorted the captain, still creeping along.
“One,” said the umpire. “Two. Three.”
The captain’s pace quickened.
“Four. Five. Six.”
The captain broke into a trot.
“Seven. Eight. Nine.”
But by this time the captain had reached his position. It was evident that the umpire meant what he said.
“Now, put them over,” he ordered the pitcher, “and I’ll send you to the bench, if I see any signs of holding back. Play ball.”