human
Say, what's the matter, don't I play?
gpt
Oh, yes, answered Luke quickly.
human
But we haven't just decided where. I'm going to leave that with Hiram, and also the position for left field.
gpt
Well, I'll settle it right now! exclaimed the manager.
human
You'll play left field, Peaches, and Charlie Borden will move up from there to first base.
gpt
What did I tell you? murmured Peaches to Tom.
human
What about the stunt you were going to pull off?
gpt
It isn't time yet. See the gang I have with me?
human
What is it--a rough house?
gpt
Those are new members, declared Tom in a whisper.
human
I'm counting on turning the balance of power away from Hiram and the crowd with him. I've been canvassing the last week, and I've got a lot of fellows to join who never took an interest in sports before.
gpt
Oh, ho! So that's your game! exclaimed Peaches.
human
Well, it's a good one all right.
gpt
They'll all vote for Joe for pitcher,
human
I notice that there are still two vacancies in the team, spoke Jake Weston, who had been named as shortstop.
gpt
We had such success with Luke as catcher last year, that I move that he again go behind the bat.
human
Second it,
gpt
It has been moved and seconded, began Hiram, and there came a shout of
human
That's the way it always is, whispered Peaches.
gpt
Luke pretends he's too modest to name himself, and some one else does it for him. Oh, the cut-and-dried program is going through all right!
human
Wait and see,
gpt
Are the selections of the nominating committee sanctioned?
human
What about the pitcher? asked Luke.
gpt
Will you name him, Hiram?
human
Yes! said the manager and he looked about the room until his eyes lit on those of Joe.
gpt
I'll name Frank Brown as regular pitcher with Larry Akers as substitute.
human
Just as I told you,
gpt
That completes the regular nine, the manager said,
human
Mr. Chairman!
gpt
Well, what is it? snapped Hiram.
human
I'm talking, and I don't want anyone to butt in.
gpt
I rise to a point of order, went on Tom, in a loud voice.
human
The nominations have not been closed, and I want to put in nomination the name of a friend, who is one of the best pitchers that ever----
gpt
None of that! cried Hiram.
human
Get down to business. I'll allow your point of order. Who do you name?
gpt
Joe Matson! cried Tom,
human
You can't elect him, what's the use of trying?
gpt
Maybe I can't, with your crowd, but I came here to-night with some friends of mine, new members of the athletic committee, and they'll vote for Joe, and I think we can outvote you!
human
That's right! yelled the lads toward whom he waved his hand.
gpt
Joe Matson for pitcher.
human
For myself and for these new members I demand a vote on the name of Joe Matson!
gpt
That's right--we're for Joe!