human
Then he'll ask for nominations for players and they'll be voted on; we'll have a little chinning about money matters, Hiram may say who the first few games will be with, and it will be all over but the shouting.
gpt
Well, won't lots of fellows have a chance to nominate players, or won't the players themselves ask to be given a chance?
human
Oh, yes, but what's the use? It's all cut and dried.
gpt
Who'll be on the nine?
human
I can pretty near tell you, all but the pitcher. And that will lay between Frank Brown and Larry Akers--both friends of Hiram. Luke will catch--that's a cinch. George Bland will be in centre-field. I may be at first, though I doubt it.
gpt
Why?
human
Oh, because I dared to say Joe was right for answering Luke back that time. I'll probably be sent out in the daisies, but I don't care, for with Luke catching it's no easy matter to hold down the first bag. He throws so rotten high. Then Teeter will be on second. Nat Pierson on third, Harry Lauter in right, Jake Weston at short, and Charlie Borden in left. That's how it will be.
gpt
And no show for Joe?
human
I can't see any, nor for you, either.
gpt
Oh, I don't care about myself, but I'm interested in Joe. I _do_ wish he could pitch.
human
I'm afraid he can't, answered Peaches with a sigh.
gpt
I'd almost be willing to give my place to him, but I'm not altogether sure that I'll get on the nine, though I'm going to make a big fight for it.
human
Oh, Joe wouldn't think of doing anything like that! objected Tom.
gpt
But maybe my plan will work. If it does, Hiram won't have so much to say as he does now.
human
I hope to gracious you can work something. It's rotten the way things are now, and it is our own fault, too. But I'm afraid it's too late to change. No, you can figure that the nine is already made up between Hiram and Luke--that is, all but pitcher.
gpt
Then I think Joe has a chance! exclaimed Tom.
human
I'm not going to give up until the last minute. I'm working hard for him, but don't say anything to him about it. I want to surprise him.
gpt
I'm afraid it will be a disagreeable surprise,
human
Who will pitch?
gpt
The meeting will come to order! called Hiram.
human
I'll cuff some of you fellows over the head if you don't sit down.