Things on the lot were not as they had been when the other players alone occupied it. Sounds of heated arguments often rose above the hum of voices.
Fortunately there was enough room for the two clubs to practice without interference, and the regulars and "outlaws" seldom came within speaking distance.
On this occasion Coach Brown and his men proved to be the great attraction. A steady stream of schoolboys ebbed and flowed on the lot, eagerly watching every move of the candidates.
"Now we'll see some ball tossing that is ball tossing!" cried Aleck Parks.
"This does me good," said Luke Phelps. "There's Earl Roycroft over there. Looks big enough for a hold-out major league player, eh? No fanning the air for Earl."
"Who do the Willie-boys play next?" asked Parks.
"Oh, some club from Engleton. Don't know much about 'em; but Mercer says they are players, though the Stars waltzed over one day, and, even without Tippen in the box, put 'em in wrong to the tune of seven to three."
"Then Nat's team hasn't lost a game yet. Here, Checkered-Cap, you don't belong on this field. Skip out!"
"Oh, you saucy thing! Who's going to make me?" asked Victor Collins.
"I will—if your line of talk doesn't suit," threatened Aleck.