nine had been struck out and retired. His face was red, his eyes
flashing.

"Teall, we might expect something rowdyish from your crowd of
muckers," declared Martin scornfully, as the sides changed.

"If I were you, Martin, I wouldn't do much talking to-day," grinned
Ted. "It's bad for the nerves."

A half a dozen times thereafter the colored boy was seen scurrying
with "the duds." He took good care, however, to keep away from
the foul lines, and so did not come under the orders of the umpire.

Whenever the mascot appeared with his burden he raised a laugh.
Hi could not steel himself against a combination of anger and
hurt pride. Some of the North Grammar girls in whose eyes he
was anxious to stand well were among those who could not help
laughing at the ridiculous antics of the colored lad.

Toward the close of the first half of the third inning Teall again
came to bat. There were no men out in this inning, and two men
were on bases.

"Now we'll see how you will stand a little jogging," muttered
Hi under his breath as he crossed his hands in signal to some
of the North Grammar fans.

Just as Ted picked up his bat a dozen boys squeaked:

"What time is it?"