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 ?" This was followed by: "Who stole my watch ?" Another lot of North tormentors---those who had them---displayed time pieces.
"That's almost as bad as a stale one," Ted told himself scornfully.
Just then the ball came just where Teall wanted it.
Crack! Ted hit it a resounding blow, dropped his bat and started to run.

Amid a din of yells one of the Souths came in, another reached third and Ted himself rested safely at second base.
In that inning the Souths piled up five runs.

Thereafter the game went badly for the North Grammars, for most of the players lost their nerve.

Hi, himself, proved unworthy to be captain, he had so little head left for the game.