human
Well, of all the mean, unmitigated, low-down, cantankerous, sneaking, bulldozing and----
gpt
Hold on! exclaimed his companion.
human
You'll blow up if you go on that way, Tom. Besides, save some of those big words for a time when you may need 'em.
gpt
Need 'em? Say if I don't need 'em now I never will. I wish I had thought to get rid of a few when that bully was here.
human
You'd only gotten into trouble. Better keep still about it.
gpt
I can't Joe. Just think of it! We came here to play ball, and the first crack out of the box that fellow goes and tells us we can't.
human
Well, I don't know as I have any particular right to play on the nine here.
gpt
Yes, you have, the best right in the world! I'll bet they haven't got a pitcher here who can stand up to you, and I'm going to tell that sneaking bully so, too,
human
No, don't! cried Joe quickly.
gpt
It will only make matters worse.
human
But you want to pitch; don't you?
gpt
Sure, but that would be the best way in the world to insure that I wouldn't. Hiram Shell is just the kind of a fellow who, if he thinks a chap wants anything, is going to do his best--or worst--to stop him.
human
What are you going to do then?
gpt
I'm going to lie low and saw wood. The baseball season hasn't opened yet. The team isn't made up. Nobody knows who is going to play and----
human
Well, Hiram as good as told us two fellows who weren't going to play, interrupted Tom.
gpt
That's you and I.
human
Wait a bit, advised Joe.
gpt
I was going to say that when the season has started and several games have been played there may be a change. I may get a chance to play then, just as I did on the Stars. I'm willing to wait. The Summer is long, and there'll be more than one game. Just say nothing.
human
Well, if you say so, I suppose I'll have to, answered his chum,
gpt
and Tom shook his fist in the direction of the manager.
human
Yes, he'll have to get down on his knees and----
gpt
Precious little danger of that,
human
Guess there's no use catching any longer, resumed Tom after a pause.
gpt
I don't exactly feel like it.
human
Me either. I guess we've gotten over our touch of spring fever,