Hugh," said the gentleman, solemnly. "Be very careful that you never
in all your life do anything to bruise the heart of that noble mother.
I thought it best not to mention anything in connection with the
matter. For one thing I could see you had done your work thoroughly,
and that Nick had already received sufficient punishment. That is all,
Hugh, and I thank you for taking me into your confidence."

When afternoon finally came around, and school was over early, there
was a scramble among the boys, and a great hurrying home to get a bite
to eat, after which, of course, every fellow who had any sort of
baseball uniform would don the same, and show up at the grounds to take
part in the practice. The air seemed surcharged with some electrical
influence. All the talk was along the line of baseball slang. Even
many of the girls were drawn to the spot to watch what went on, for
they had become enthusiasts, and were in prime condition to "root" for
Scranton High when the time came for the first contest on the diamond.

The scene was a busy one, with scores of boys doing various
stunts--knocking flies to those in the field, passing balls with the
vigor of veterans, and chattering like a lot of magpies all the while.
Out of this throng, Mr. Leonard, the athletic instructor, once a
Princeton player of some note, was expecting to bring order, and get
some kind of game started.

Baseball is quite unlike football. In the latter instance, every boy
has to receive an education before he is at all fitted to fill the
position assigned to him. There must be long arduous drills in a dozen
particulars, from bucking the line, and carrying the ball, to making a
flying tackle, or punting. Then the intricate system of signals must
be thoroughly learned, so that instinct takes the place of reason in