"I call upon every fellow who believes in fair play to listen," he cried in ringing tones. "We haven't been given a square deal. Every player on this nine is going to stand up for his rights. Threats and yells won't make us quit. I only ask you to be reasonable; to——"
The soap box was shoved violently from beneath his feet, and the captain, obliged to jump, brought up violently against a group of yelling "outlaws."
THE SOAP BOX WAS SHOVED VIOLENTLY
Turning like a flash, he looked squarely into the angry face of Owen Lawrence. The lieutenant of "Crackers" Brown, so wrought up with excitement that his face was of a purple hue, was brandishing his fists savagely.
"I did it, Somers!" he yelled. "Pitch right in if you want to. I'm ready!"
In a second the two were surrounded by a densely-packed mob, while cries of "A scrap—a scrap!" had the effect of bringing from all sides large reinforcements.
"We're not going to lose those grounds just to suit your bump of vanity, Somers," howled Lawrence.