“All things considered, if we can play well enough to keep their mouths shut I shall be satisfied,” I said to Dick Palmer.
At this moment Ray left Beard, and came quickly toward us.
“We are in luck to start with,” he said. “We have won the toss.”
A few minutes later the umpire came upon the field, carrying in his hand the new ball with which the game was to be played.
“Are you ready?” he asked.
“Yes,” answered Ray.
“Then get your men in position.”
We took our places, and the ball was tossed to me. No batter had stepped up, so I looked inquiringly toward the bench where the Park men were seated. Then, as Arnold, their first batter, rose and picked up his bat, a student stepped out in front of the grand stand, and waving his cane, cried, “I propose three cheers for the nine. Now, fellows, give it to them.”
A roar of cheers burst from the crowd.
“Another one,” cried the leader, and again came the cheers.