human
Gentlemen, he said, halting before the two Lakeville men and ignoring Miss Molly altogether,
gpt
It's coming,
human
Are you the Belden coach?
gpt
No, gentlemen, I am not the coach. I am, you might say, the man behind the team. Throughout the season, I have been its supporter, its mainstay, its benefactor. Allow me to offer an illustration of what I mean. Do you see that flagstaff?
human
Yes.
gpt
I contributed that. When Belden has won this game, I shall run up the pennant with my own hands, and I shall, at the request of my friends, say--ahem, a few words of congratulation to the team and the assembled crowd.
human
Indeed!
gpt
But I am digressing, the great one stated.
human
I came here to warn you gentlemen that if, on the stroke of three o'clock, the Lakeville team is still missing, I shall instruct the umpire to forfeit the game by the usual score of nine to nothing. Immediately, I shall award the pennant to Belden and begin--ahem, my speech. I thank you, gentlemen.
gpt
For what? gasped Mr. Sefton, watching the man push his way to the bottom of the stand.
human
Look here, Horace, they can't do that, can they?
gpt
I don't know, he confessed.
human
In golf or tennis, of course, if a player does not report, he forfeits his contest. And there is a baseball rule to the effect that if a team refuses to play--
gpt
Horace Hibbs! Message for Horace Hibbs! Horace Hibbs! Message for--
human
Up here, boy! Molly sprang to her feet, waving wildly.
gpt
Right up here!--Let him pass, _please_! Thank _you_!--This is Mr. Hibbs--Quick! What is it?