Suddenly they became aware of the fact that something not down on the bill was taking place. Dan Brown, Owen Lawrence and Earl Roycroft, followed by all the "outlaw" candidates, were winding in a serpentine fashion—this movement being occasioned by the constantly shifting crowds—toward home plate.
"Mr. Finn," began "Crackers," "I'd like to have a word with you."
"Nobody who ever did got stung," said the coach, pleasantly.
"We"—"Crackers" waved his arm to include the grinning group behind him—"wish to ask a small favor."
"It can't be too small to suit me," laughed Mr. Finn.
"I am forming a baseball nine——"
"What! Is there a baseball nine at this school?" cried the coach, in well-feigned astonishment.
"We wish to state most emphatically that there is—just one; no more," returned "Crackers," "and our great desire is to prove it."
The members of the Engleton team crowded around.
"How are you going to do it, Jack?" asked one, familiarly.