Lessons went about as usual that afternoon with Old Dut's class, which was surprising, as nearly every boy in the room had his mind much on baseball.
Captain Dick Prescott, of the Central Grammar nine, had called practice for that afternoon, from half past four to six o'clock.
At recess, that afternoon, a pleasant, somewhat rotund-looking man was seen engaged in conversation with Old Dut in a corner of the schoolyard.

At the close of the afternoon session that same man stepped into the schoolroom, accepting the principal's offer of a chair on the platform.
"Attention!" called Old Dut, striking the bell.

"I am glad to be able to state that no pupil has incurred the penalty of remaining after school to-day.

However, I am going to ask the members of the Central Grammar baseball nine and their substitutes to remain for a few minutes.

I pledge myself not to interfere with the scheduled practice," continued the principal dryly.